Tongue-controlled intraoral pointing device that promotes perioral muscular activity and saliva secretion during operation of information and communication terminals.

Abstract

A tongue-controlled intraoral pointing device for operating information and communication terminals, such as computers, which allows the wearer to perform oral training while typing, was developed. Its effectiveness was evaluated in healthy participants. There were no differences in typing speed for the same input between computers with any operating system/display combination. Typing with the developed device was performed at 80% of the speed compared to using a stylus pen held in the mouth, the conventional method used by persons with upper limb disabilities. Electromyography signals increased concomitantly by 1.8-fold in the buccal and 2.0-fold in the submandibular area. There was a 2.5-fold increase in saliva secretion and a decrease in salivary α-amylase activity to 40%, indicative of stress. The computerized operation of this device is expected to contribute to the prevention of oral frailty by maintaining and strengthening oral functions and hygiene.