Assessing tongue muscle functions in healthy children
Assessment of Tongue Motor Functions in Healthy Children
Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT06166680
This study is trying to find out how well healthy kids aged 4 to 17 can use their tongues for different movements to help understand normal tongue function in children.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Ages | 4 Years to 17 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Université Catholique de Louvain (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert) |
| Trial ID | NCT06166680 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to establish normative values for tongue motor functions in healthy children aged 4 to 17. It evaluates various aspects of tongue performance, including strength and endurance, through specific movements such as protrusion, elevation, and swallowing. Participants will undergo assessments that include anthropometric measurements and evaluations of tongue motor functions, following the completion of a Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire by their parents. The study seeks to fill the gap in existing data regarding tongue motor functions in the pediatric population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy children aged 4 to 17 without any significant medical or developmental disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with eating disorders, dysphagia, or any neurological or respiratory conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide essential normative data that may help in diagnosing and treating tongue-related motor function issues in children.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on tongue motor functions in children, similar studies in adults have shown the importance of establishing normative values for various motor functions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Being between the ages of 4 and 17 Exclusion Criteria: * Eating disorder * Dysphagia * Cardiorespiratory disorder * Neurological disorder (including neuromuscular disorders) * Previous or ongoing obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome * Previous or ongoing cancer of the head or neck * Previous oral or pharyngeal surgery (except for the surgical removal of wisdom teeth) * Cranial, oral or upper airway malformation (ex.: nasal cavities, pharynx) * Previous or ongoing orthodontic treatment (e.g. braces) * More than 33% of positive answers to the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (8/22)
Where this trial is running
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
- Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc — Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: William Poncin, PT, PhD, Prof — Université Catholique de Louvain
- Study coordinator: William Poncin, PT, PhD, Prof
- Email: william.poncin@uclouvain.be
- Phone: +32470592032
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Healthy, Tongue, Motor functions