Abstract:

Objective To investigate the tongue movement of swallowing food with different volumes and viscosities in healthy adults by B/M ultrasound.

Methods From November 1, 2021 to April 15, 2022, 61 healthy adults were recruited from those who underwent ultrasound examination in Beijing Bo'ai Hospital. The objects were ask to swallow 5 mL water, 15 mL water, 5 mL semi-liquid yogurt and 5 mL solid yogurt. Then B/M ultrasound was used to record the phase I time, phase II time, maximum amplitude and maximum velocity of tongue movement.

Results The phase I time was the least as swallowing 5 mL water (|Z| > 3.871, P< 0.001). The phase II time was less as swallowing 5 mL water than that of swallowing 15 mL water and 5 mL semi-liquid yogurt (|Z| > 2.61, P< 0.001). The maximum amplitude of tongue movement was the most as swallowing 15 mL water (|Z| > 8.888, P< 0.001). There was no significant difference in the maximum velocity of tongue movement among the four swallowing tasks (χ² = 0.833, P > 0.05).

Conclusion Food of different viscosities and different volumes can affect tongue movement. The use of B/M ultrasound is an easy, radiation-free and cost-effective method for the assessment of swallowing.

Key words: tongue movement, swallowing function, ultrasound