Effect of tongue‐strengthening training combined with a tablet personal computer game in healthy adults

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec><jats:title>Background</jats:title><jats:p>Game‐based training has been shown to improve behavioural motor learning in various medical fields including rehabilitation.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Objectives</jats:title><jats:p>This study aimed to investigate the effects of a tablet PC (personal computer) game‐based tongue training on tongue strength, thickness and compliance in healthy adults.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p>This study recruited 30 healthy volunteers. Subjects were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 15/group). Group 1 performed game‐based tongue training, and group 2 performed tongue resistance training using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Both groups performed the same tongue exercises as follows: frequency (isotonic = 30 times × 3, isometric = 20 seconds × 3), intensity (70% of 1‐repeated maximum contraction) and intervention period (5 days for 6 weeks). The primary outcomes were tongue muscle strength and thickness. Secondary outcomes were assessed using a 0‐to‐10 numerical rating self‐report scale that included motivation, interest/fun, physical effort and muscle fatigue/pain.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p>Both groups showed significant improvement in tongue strength and thickness, but there were no significant differences between the groups after the intervention. The self‐report scale numerical rating revealed that group 1 had significantly higher motivation and interest/fun after the exercise than group 2. Group 1 had expended a significantly lower physical effort than group 2. No significant differences were noted between the 2 groups for muscle fatigue/pain.</jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title><jats:p>This study showed that both exercises had similar effects on tongue strength and thickness increase in healthy adults, but game‐based tongue training was more fun and physically less demanding.</jats:p></jats:sec>