Awarded Research on Visually Impaired Elderly - Tongue Thickness as a Potential Early Screening Indicator for Sarcopenia

A collaborative cross-disciplinary research team in Hong Kong, China—comprising the Occupational Therapy Department of the Hong Kong Society for the Blind, Dr. Ng Ho-yee and Dr. Wong Wing-sze from the Department of Chinese and Bilingual Studies at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Dr. Yip Chi-Kong and Dr. Yip Chi-bun from the School of Medical and Health Sciences at Tung Wah College, as well as Mr. Wong Ka-keung, in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences (Occupational Therapy) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, along with a group of final-year occupational therapy students at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University—has released new findings.

The study, which received the Third Prize for Outstanding Paper Presentation at the 9th Swallowing Disorders Summit & Annual Conference of the Guangdong Rehabilitation Medicine Association in June 2025, highlights a promising method for sarcopenia screening.

The research, published in the International Journal of Medicine and Data, reveals that ultrasound-measured tongue thickness can effectively assess sarcopenia in older adults. Tongue thickness was found to be significantly correlated with skeletal muscle mass, with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 70%, suggesting its potential as a novel screening tool for visually impaired elderly in community care settings.

Key Research Insights:
- Individuals with sarcopenia tend to have thinner tongues, reflecting overall muscle loss.
- Ultrasound measurement is quick, non-invasive, and suitable for community-based screening.
- Early detection can help prevent complications such as dysphagia and malnutrition.
By adopting evidence-based practice and leveraging ultrasound technology, the interdisciplinary research team aims to facilitate early screening, support healthy aging through gerontechnology, and alleviate healthcare burdens.

This approach is particularly beneficial for the elderly—promoting timely screening and healthy aging while reducing medical costs. Learn more about the study.