Table 1_Differential associations between tongue pressure and handgrip strength with MDS-UPDRS part III motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease.docx

Exploratory factor analysis of the MDS-UPDRS Part III items was conducted, followed by multiple regression analyses based on the total score and identified factors. After adjusting for age and sex, tongue pressure (β = −0.320, p = 0.021) and handgrip strength (β = −0.409, p = 0.025) were associated with the MDS-UPDRS Part III total score. Three motor symptom factors were identified: axial control and global motor output, limb motor function, and tremor.

Tongue pressure was associated with limb motor function involving rigidity and bradykinesia, whereas handgrip strength was associated with axial control and global motor output. These findings suggest that reduced tongue pressure in patients with PD may reflect not only generalized muscle weakness but also specific aspects of PD-related motor dysfunction. However, given the cross-sectional nature of the study, further studies are required to better characterize the relationship between tongue pressure and PD motor symptoms.</p>