Over the summer, Edgar & Cox conducted a study to determine if there was a link between general body muscle strength, as determined by select physical measures, and tongue strength.

Why is this important?  

Research supports that muscle strength and muscle reserve decline with age. There is evidence to suggest that swallowing ability also changes with age. Tongue strength is often related to swallowing ability, and is relatively easy to measure. They hoped to find indicators that will help develo

p a screening for physicians to use during an office visit to see if patients should be referred for an evaluation of their swallowing ability.

Edgar & Cox collected data from 50participants. Their analysis allowed us to place each participant in a category of "Robust" (N=9), "Intermediate Frail" (N=36), and, "Frail" (N=5). We analyzed some of the key indicators of frailty and found that Hand (grip) Strength predicted Tongue Strength and Swallowing Ability as judged by their swallowing test. 

Now, these numbers are small to make a firm statement, and because the numbers in each group were not evenly distributed that makes it even harder to make a firm interpretation.  However, they viewed this as a pilot study, and are very pleased with the results to date.   

They hope to include 10 more participants 

to strengthen our analysis and interpretation.

If you are interested in learning more about this research or the results, please contact Julia

 Edgar, Ph.D., CCC-SLP at jedgar@truman.edu

RAIL's mission is to assist persons with disabilities to live as independently as they choose within the communities of their choice. They serve the following counties: Adair, Chariton, Knox, Linn, Macon, Putnam, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, and Sullivan.

RAIL's Independent Living Philosophy is the belief that each person with a disability has the same civil rights as everyone else including inclusion in the community of their choice. RAIL believes individuals with disabilities know best what barriers they have to living independently. Therefore, they should have a significant say in what happens in their community that affects them. People with disabilities are in the best position to guide, direct and control programs and services effecting their lives and independence.

RAIL's Services include:

•          Information & Referral
•          Independent Living Skills Training
•          Advocacy
•          Peer Support
•          Home Modification Assessments
•          Bathtub Cuts
•          Wheelchair Repair Services

 RAIL celebrated their 20 year Anniversary on October 12, 2013.  On October 25, 1993, RAIL opened its doors as an Independent Living Center with 3 staff members; an Executive Director, IL Personnel, and Secretarial Support, and served the 10 counties of Adair, Chariton, Knox, Linn, Macon, Putnam, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby & Sullivan Counties. They have enjoyed the past 20 years - and look forward to many more opportunities to help those that are disabled in the Northeast Missouri community! 

For more information, please go to their website: www.ruraladvocatesforindependentliving.org, email Center@cableone.net, or call their Kirksville office at (660) 627-7245.