Technologies – Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Medical Devices

Oral-Lever Resistance Exercise Device

View U.S. Patent No. 7,238,145 in PDF format.

WARF: P05037US

Inventors: JoAnne Robbins, Jacqueline Hind, Angela Hewitt

The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a mechanical device that can be used for tongue exercises.

Overview

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 Invention

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.

Applications

Strengthens the tongue to improve swallowing function

Key Benefits

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

Additional Information

For More Information About the Inventors