WARF TECHNOLOGIES

The tongue loses strength as a result of aging, illness or injury, often resulting in loss of swallowing capacity (dysphagia) that in turn may lead to malnutrition, dehydration or pneumonia. NIH-funded research has shown that isometric tongue exercises can improve swallowing function. UW-Madison researchers previously described an electro-mechanical device that can be used to exercise the tongue muscle (see WARF reference number P01398US).

The researchers have now developed a simpler and cheaper mechanical device that can be used for tongue exercises. The device consists of two levers that fit in the mouth and are connected by a spring or pin joint. During exercise, the user compresses the levers between the tongue and hard palate. Resistance is provided by springs or circular rubber belts similar to o-rings. To make the device more comfortable, the upper lever is custom fit to the hard palate, while the lower lever is adapted to the user’s tongue.

• Strengthens the tongue to improve swallowing function

• Simple – all mechanical
• Inexpensive – may be semi-reusable, much like a toothbrush
• Portable – not connected to external instrumentation
• Small – can fit in a purse or pocket
• User may set resistance without external equipment
• A feedback element may be included on either the upper or lower lever
• Compatible with imaging instrumentation, particularly magnetic resonance imaging equipment

Related Technologies

• See WARF reference number P01398US for the inventors' previous device.

Related Intellectual Property

• View Continuation Patent in PDF format.

Tech Fields

• Medical Devices : Accessibility