Quantitative Contributions of the Muscles of the Tongue, Floor-of-Mouth, Jaw, and Velum to Tongue-to-Palate Pressure Generation

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the relationship between tongue-to-palate pressure and the electromyography (EMG) measured from the mylohyoid, anterior belly of the digastric, geniohyoid, medial pterygoid, velum, genioglossus, and intrinsic tongue muscles. Methods Seven healthy adults performed tongue-to-palate pressure tasks at known percentages of their maximum pressure while intramuscular EMG was recorded from the muscles stated above. Multiple regression analysis was performed. Results Predictors of pressure included the posterior fibers of the genioglossus, mylohyoid, anterior belly of digastric, medial pterygoid, and intrinsic tongue. Conclusions Increasing tongue-to-palate pressure coincides with increased muscle activity. Activation of the floor-of-mouth, tongue, and jaw closing muscles increased tongue-to-palate pressure. These findings support the use of a tongue-press exercise to strengthen floor-of-mouth muscles, tongue, and jaw-closing muscles.