Comparison of the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument and JMS tongue pressure measurement device.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Tongue pressure measurement conveys important information about eating and swallowing function. The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument® (IOPI) and KAY Swallowing Workstation® are internationally used for tongue pressure measurement, but for legal reasons cannot be used in Japan; rather the JMS tongue pressure measurement device® has been approved for use in Japan. However, it is not clear whether measurement obtained with these devices are directly comparable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study investigated the correlation between the maximum tongue pressure data measured by the IOPI and the JMS tongue pressure measurement device in young healthy participants (34 males; 23.2 ±â€¯2.0 years old, and 40 females; 21.4 ±â€¯1.3 years old). RESULTS: Measurements obtained with these two devices showed significant correlations in the total cohort, and in male and female participants, separately (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that the measurements obtained with the JMS device is comparable to those obtained with the IOPI. In Japan, JMS tongue pressure measurement device is used not only in dysphagia research field, but also geriatrics field, and extensive and detailed investigations has been carried out.

Improper sitting posture while eating adversely affects maximum tongue pressure.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Although many studies have examined the efficacy of neck and trunk positioning during eating, few studies have examined how the positioning of the lower extremities affects swallowing function. The purpose of this study was to examine how tongue pressure, which is an important factor during swallowing, is affected by eating postures in bed and wheelchair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 43 healthy adults (13 men and 30 women; 29.0 ±â€¯5.9 years) and 33 elderly individuals requiring long-term care (14 men and 19 women; 83.6 ±â€¯7.8 years) participated.In both healthy and elderly participants, tongue pressure was measured in four different postures: a good and poor postures in bed (postures 1 and 2, respectively), and a good and poor postures in a reclining wheelchair (posture 3 and 4, respectively). RESULTS: Among the healthy participants, the mean tongue pressure was significantly higher in posture 1 (40.2 ±â€¯7.24 kPa) than in posture 2 (37.6 ±â€¯8.68 kPa) or posture 4 (38.2 ±â€¯8.14 kPa) (P < 0.05). Tongue pressure was also significantly higher in posture 3 (41.3 ±â€¯7.75 kPa) than in either posture 2 or 4 (P < 0.05).Among the elderly participants, the median tongue pressure in posture 1 (16.9 kPa; interquartile range [IQR], 9.4-21.6 kPa) was significantly higher than that in posture 2 (14.1 kPa; IQR, 9.2-21.6 kPa). Tongue pressure in posture 3 (18.5 kPa; IQR, 14.2-26.0 kPa) was significantly higher than that in either posture 1 or 2, and posture 4 (15.9 kPa; IQR, 10.6-22.9 kPa). CONCLUSION: Posture during eating can potentially affect tongue pressure.

Five-year change in maximum tongue pressure and physical function in community-dwelling elderly adults.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: To identify age-related changes in maximum tongue pressure (MTP), it is necessary to determine individual biological age. The fitness age score (FAS) is used to calculate the biological age, based on the one-leg standing time with eyes open, vertical jump height, grip strength, functional reach, and 10-m walk time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 112 community-dwelling elderly adults (42 males and 70 females). We investigated MTP, FAS, and body mass index (BMI) at baseline and 5 years later. MTP was determined with a pressure measurement device. RESULTS: A significant reduction in MTP, FAS, and BMI in both male and female subjects was observed at 5 years. A negative correlation between change in MTP and baseline MTP was observed, but there was no correlation between MTP change and baseline FAS, BMI, and change in FAS and BMI. CONCLUSION: Age-related decline in MTP might be associated with high MTP, reflecting decreased reserve. Additionally, age-related decline in tongue function might be different from that of physical function.

Association between buccal mucosa ridging and oral or occlusal status among older people.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the association between buccal mucosa ridging and oral or occlusal statuses among older people. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined 262 independent older people (mean age, 74.2 ± 5.9 years) who participated in the Kyoto Elderly Physical Fitness Measurement Research Project. The predictor variables were oral statuses (number of present teeth and torus palatinus, torus mandibularis, temporomandibular joint noise, clenching, or grinding) and oral functions (occlusal pressure, cheek pressure, oral diadochokinesis, and tongue pressure). The outcome variable was the buccal mucosa ridging status (presence or absence). Additional variables were age, sex, body mass index, grip strength, and wearing dentures. We compared these variables between participants with and without buccal mucosa ridging using a univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Buccal mucosa ridging was present in 177 (67.6%) people. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed a close association of buccal mucosa ridging with torus mandibularis, tooth clenching and grinding and occlusal pressure, and cheek pressure. CONCLUSIONS: Over 50% of the participants showed buccal mucosa ridging; this was significantly associated with higher cheek pressure, lower occlusal pressure, torus mandibularis, and tooth clenching and grinding.

[A case of anaphylaxis caused by enokitake (Flammulina velutipes) ingestion].

Enokitake (Flammulina velutipes, winter mushroom) is a common edible mushroom in Japan. We experienced a case of anaphylaxis after enokitake ingestion. There are no reports describing anaphylaxis caused by the ingestion of this mushroom. Enokitake allergen has also not been reported. We thus attempted to identify enokitake allergen using the patient's serum. The patient was a seventeen-year-old woman who had had no episodes of food allergy and experienced anaphylaxis after the ingestion of sukiyaki (beef, pork, tofu, vegetables, enokitake, etc.). She had previously eaten sukiyaki (the same ingredients) without any symptoms. The result of enokitake skin prick to prick test was positive. Oral food challenge was positive, inducing anaphylaxis. We performed western blotting with enokitake extract and the patient's serum. Three enokitake protein bands (18 kDa, 39 kDa, 50 kDa) reacted specifically with the patient's IgE.