Acute Effects of Motor Imagery and Physical Exercise on Tongue Strength and Pain Threshold in Healthy Adults

Comparison of Acute Effects of Motor Imagery and Physical Exercise on Tongue Strength and Pain Threshold in Healthy Adults

Motor imagery is the feeling and thinking that the movement is done by imagination without physically occurring. In addition to its use in various fields, its use in the field of physiotherapy is also increasing. Especially in situations where real movement is difficult or contraindicated, motor visualization is very advantageous when there is no physical contact.

Swallowing function is one of the vital functions that ensure human independence. Like many components in swallowing, tongue muscle is also important. It has been shown that the strength of the tongue decreases with age, disease or other reasons. In the development of the strength of the tongue, while physiological principles are taken as basis, a different procedure from normal procedures is performed. However, language is a part of the body where one can study on his own.

Such situations lead to research on whether language reinforcement can occur with motor imagery. Considering that in addition to long-term effects, acute effects may also affect the functions of individuals, the starting point of the study is formed. Studies have investigated the acute change in tongue strength and pain perception after motor imagery.

The primary aim of this study is compare the acute effects of different motor imagery methods and physical exercise on tongue strength and pain in heatlhy adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants age between 18-65
• Symmetrical chewing function, fluent mouth and tongue movements

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants with systemic, cardiorespiratuar, central nerve system and romatologic diseases or musculoskeletal pain or craniocervical pathology
• A history of orofacial pain or temporomandibular diseases.
• Over-reacting for touching or tooth-pain
• Pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy