The IOPI may be adapted to obtain an objective measurement of the ability of a subject or patient to produce a laterally-directed movement of the tongue. This involves the manufacture of a plastic device, a narrow handle with a small plate on the side of one end. Double-sided medical adhesive tape is used to secure an IOPI bulb to the small plate. The end of the handle that goes in the mouth has silastic rubber pads on both sides; these are held between the premolars and first molars on one side of the mouth. This secures the IOPI bulb in a fixed position against the lingual surface of the teeth. The tongue is then use to push laterally against the IOPI bulb. Both sides can be tested using the same bulb without detaching it from the handle and plate.

Dr. Nancy Solomon, a researcher at the Walter Reed Army Hospital, is currently using this device to use the IOPI to measure lateral tongue strength. Anyone interested in pursing a research topic (or clinical use) of lateral tongue strength measurement is invited to call Erich Luschei at IOPI Northwest for further details.