Tongue Muscular Assessment in Healthy Children

Assessment of Tongue Motor Functions in Healthy Children

This study aims to obtain normative values for tongue motor functions in healthy children.

Since the tongue is a complex structure consisting of a continuous array of muscle fibers with varying orientation, tongue motor functions (strength, endurance) are likely to differ according to a protrusion (pulling out the tongue), elevation (lifting the tongue to the roof of the mouth) or swallowing movement.

There are currently no normative data for the motor functions of the tongue in children. After their parents fulfilled the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, each included children will undergo an anthropometric and a tongue motor functions assessment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between the ages of 4 and 17

Exclusion Criteria:

• Eating disorder
• Dysphagia
• Cardiorespiratory disorder
• Neurological disorder (including neuromuscular disorders)
• Previous or ongoing obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome
• Previous or ongoing cancer of the head or neck
• Previous oral or pharyngeal surgery (except for the surgical removal of wisdom teeth)
• Cranial, oral or upper airway malformation (ex.: nasal cavities, pharynx)
• Previous or ongoing orthodontic treatment (e.g. braces)
• More than 33% of positive answers to the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (8/22)