Understanding how aging affects tongue muscle fatigue and swallowing

Bioenergetic Mechanisms of Tongue Muscle Fatigue

NIH-funded research University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10647662

This study is looking at how tongue muscle fatigue affects swallowing in older adults and will test if tongue exercises and special stimulation can help improve muscle function, which could lead to better treatments for swallowing difficulties as we age.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Madison, United States)
Project IDNIH-10647662 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the bioenergetic mechanisms behind tongue muscle fatigue, particularly in older adults. It aims to understand how changes in muscle metabolism contribute to swallowing difficulties as people age. By using a rat model, the study will explore the effects of tongue exercises and neuromuscular stimulation on muscle function and fatigue. The findings could lead to improved treatments for age-related swallowing impairments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing swallowing difficulties due to muscle fatigue.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger or do not have swallowing impairments related to muscle fatigue may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective interventions for swallowing difficulties in older adults.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on tongue muscle fatigue in aging is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding muscle fatigue and interventions in other muscle groups.

Where this research is happening

Madison, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.