OroPress
is a new, low profile, portable, wireless tool that enables stable measurement
of tongue pressure during isometric (‘pushing’) tasks and, more importantly, during
swallowing. Using this tool, a
pressure-time product, the OroPress Absolute (OPA) parameter, has been
developed as a representative measure of lingual effort during swallowing.
In
a sample of 57 adults aged 20-80+ years, of both sexes and without dysphagia, tongue-palate
contact pressures generated while swallowing 5ml, 10ml of water and 5ml
custard, were recorded using OroPress. Data were examined for effects of
gender, age and bolus condition (consistency, volume). OPA was tested for
stability of measure and then correlated with the criterion standard, peak
pressure recorded when swallowing (PMaxSW).
Swallowing
pressures (PMaxSW,
OPA) were positively correlated with bolus viscosity. No significant age and
gender differences were found. Excellent
stability of measure (test, re-test reliability) was demonstrated and OPA was positively
correlated with PMaxSW.
OroPress produces valid, reliable and reproducible measurements
and improved accuracy of oro-lingual pressure measurement during swallowing. With such a tool, interventions/ therapy can
be proactive and principled as outcomes are better validated. To enhance
specificity of intervention, measurement parameters need to reflect the
pressure and temporal qualities of swallow function. OPA has the potential to describe differences
in effort made, and ability to sustain pressures, in adults without dysphagia.
The
results of these studies will enable more accurate examination of the oral
phase of swallowing as we establish this highly accurate sensor as a criterion
standard for oro-lingual pressure measurement in clinical populations.