Objective
To investigate the relationship between maximal tongue protrusion length (MTPL) and dysphagia in post-stroke patients.
Methods
Free tongue length (FTL) was measured using the quick tongue-tie assessment tool and MTPL was measured using a transparent plastic ruler in 47 post-stroke patients. The MTPL-to-FTL (RMF) ratio was calculated. Swallowing function in all patients was evaluated via videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS), PenetrationAspiration Scale (PAS), Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS), and Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale (VDS).
Results
The MTPL and RMF values were significantly higher in the non-aspirator group than in the aspirator group (MTPL, p=0.0049; RMF, p<0.001). MTPL and RMF showed significant correlations with PAS, FOIS and VDS scores. The cut-off value in RMF for the prediction of aspiration was 1.56, with a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 86%.
Conclusion
There is a relationship between MTPL and dysphagia in post-stroke patients. MTPL and RMF can be useful for detecting aspiration in post-stroke patients.

Citations

• Inter-rater and Intra-rater Reliability of the Videofluoroscopic Dysphagia Scale with the Standardized Protocol
  Ingi Min, Hyeonseong Woo, Jae Yoon Kim, Tae-Lim Kim, Yookyung Lee, Won Kee Chang, Se Hee Jung, Woo Hyung Lee, Byung-Mo Oh, Tai Ryoon Han, Han Gil Seo
  Dysphagia.2024; 39(1): 43.     CrossRef
• Tongue diagnostic parameters-based diagnostic signature in coronary artery disease patients with clopidogrel resistance after percutaneous coronary intervention
  Bo Liang, Rui Li, Jia Lu, Xiao-Jie Tian, Ning Gu
  EXPLORE.2023; 19(4): 528.     CrossRef
• Correlation Between Articulatory Diadochokinetic Parameters and Dysphagia Parameters in Subacute Stroke Patients
  Back Min Oh, Hyun Seok, Sang-Hyun Kim, Seung Yeol Lee, Su Jung Park, Beom Jin Kim, Hyun Jung Kim
  Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine.2023; 47(3): 192.     CrossRef