Abstract:
Introduction
Conventional methods do not allow a precise spatial depiction and analysis of tongue movements. This thesis overcomes this limitation by providing an exact recording, representation and analysis of tongue movements during deglutition using electromagnetic articulography (EMA). Results are used to assess a standard value definition for the tongue movements.
Material and methods
Eleven male and fourteen female subjects participated in the study. All participants were between 23 and 29 years old with a median age of 26 years. Only healthy subjects without any functional restrictions were admitted to the study. Measurements were recorded using the Tübinger Articulograph. The participants were asked to swallow either with a bolus of water (10 ml) or only with their saliva in the oral cavity. The experiments have been recorded and were repeated in upright seat position as well as in relaxed body posture ten times each.
Results
EMA is an exact, reliable and non-invasive investigation method for recording tongue movements. From the two analysed variables “distance” and “angle” the latter featured higher measurement errors. Neither the measuring values nor the measuring errors were influenced by the body posture. Gender, however, proved to have a significant influence on the measuring values of deglutition. The measuring values were well suited for defining standard value tables.
Conclusion
Improving the measurement process in order to reduce measurement errors gives EMA the potential to become an ideal method for the analysis of physiological and pathological motion sequences of the tongue. Electromagnetic articulography may be established as an important tool in diagnostics and therapy planning, course control and aftercare investigations in orthodontics, logopedia and pediatrics.