Repeated tongue and hand strength measurements in normal adults and individuals with Parkinson's disease.

Abstract

Changes in tongue and hand strength measurements of men with Parkinson's Disease and aged-matched controls across multiple days were examined. The Iowa Oral Performance Instrument measured tongue and hand strength during four consecutive days and at day 11. Peak tongue strength measurements occurred on day 3 with a small decrease on day 4, which was maintained at day 11, indicating a significant increase in tongue strength measurements with task repetition in multiple days. No change in hand strength measurements was noted over days. Significant differences in mean tongue and hand strength measurements between the PD and age-matched control group were found. Tongue and hand strength measurements were lower for the PD group compared with the control group on average across days.