Shigenori Kawagishi
2-6-1 Manazuru, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu 803-8580
Japan
Research Article
Brain Activity during Stereognostic Discrimination Using the Tongue Measured By Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy
Author(s): Shigenori Kawagishi, Toshiko Tanaka, Kenichi Yoshino and Megumi ShimodozonoShigenori Kawagishi, Toshiko Tanaka, Kenichi Yoshino and Megumi Shimodozono
We previously reported our investigation of the stereognostic ability of the tongue to recognize the shape and size of materials in the mouth and its clinical applications. In the present study, we observed brain activity while performing stereognostic discrimination using the tongue; the changes in levels of oxyhemoglobin (oxy-Hb), deoxyhemoglobin (deoxy-Hb), and total hemoglobin (total-Hb) in the frontal cortex area of 37 healthy individuals (18–75 years old) were measured using a functional near-infrared spectrometer with 45 channels. As an experimental task, the stereognostic test piece (TP) was placed on the center of the tongue dorsum, and subjects moved the TP for shape discrimination without letting it touch the teeth or gums. As a control task, subjects did not move the TP placed on the tongue. Stereognostic task-attributed changes in Hb levels were obtained by subtract.. View More»
DOI:
10.4172/2329-8847.1000128