Tongue Protrusion Assessment in Healthy Adult (FLEPI)

Assessment of Tongue Protrusion Motor Skills in Healthy Adult

This study aims to evaluate tongue protrusion motor skills in healthy adults and to assess the reliability of these measurements as well as their validity in relation to other motor functions (handgrip and respiratory muscles).

The tongue is an organ involved in multiple essential daily functions (such as eating, speaking, and breathing). Normative values exist for the motor skills of tongue elevation in individuals. However, data regarding protrusion are lacking. Yet, the protrusive strength of the tongue is of particular interest. Indeed a weak protrusive tongue strength may contribute to sleep apnea and swallowing disorders. Therefore, this study aims to collect normative and clinimetric (validity and reliability) data of tongue protrusion strength and endurance among healthy adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being 18 years of age or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Eating disorder
• Dysphagia
• Cardiorespiratory disorder
• Previous or ongoing obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome
• Neurological conditions (including neuromuscular disorders)
• Previous or ongoing cancer of the head or neck
• Pregnancy
• Any physical or mental condition that may affect the ability to consent