Measuring tongue strength in adults after partial glossectomy: a review

• Published in: SADJ (Houghton) Vol. 78; no. 5; pp. 239 - 243
• Main Authors: Shaw, Wade, Ismail, Azra, Vangu, Baka Jolyne, Kimmie, Deen, Naidoo, Saijal, Katulondi, Rosy, Madikoa, Nkoe, Cassim, Zarreen, Kana, Nadir, Maharaj, Shivesh
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Portuguese
• Published: The South African Dental Association (SADA) 19.09.2023
• Subjects: Biology; Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine; Health Care Sciences & Services; Health Policy & Services; Medicine, General & Internal; Medicine, Research & Experimental; mouth; tongue; oral pathology; dysphagia; head and neck; cancer; Swallowing
• ISSN: 0375-1562; 2519-0105
• DOI: 10.17159/sadj.v78i05.16892

The purpose of this study is to present a scoping review of the measurements of tongue strength available, particularly in adult patients, following partial glossectomy. The subsequent impact on functionality and quality of life were also explored. Materials and methodsThis study used a scoping review and the study selection comprised two stages of screening: the review of the title and abstract followed by a full-text review. During the first stage of screening, the title and abstracts of all retrieved references were reviewed against the predetermined inclusion criteria. In the second stage of screening, all studies were reviewed at full-text level, utilising the Full-Text Screening Relevance measure. A total of 20 articles were reviewed as they met the inclusion criteria Results The study found that subjective and quality-of-life measures may still be useful in measuring tongue strength in developing contexts as they closely approximate objective measures and are reliable as an interim measure. However, there is still a need for the development of other objective measures, should funding be available.