講演情報
[I-01]Exploring the Effectiveness of Oral Exercise Programs in Enhancing Oral Functions Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults
○Tsai Fa-Tzu1、Romalee Worachate2、Hsu Ming-Lun 3 (1. Department of oral hygiene, Mei-Ho University, Pingtung, Taiwan、2. Department of Community Dentistry & Gerodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand、3. College of Dentistry, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan)
★ [研究]/[調查]的介紹
[目的]
Among the elderly, the mortality rate significantly increases for those who, in addition to having systemic diseases, also experience functional disabilities. Besides systemic conditions, oral dysfunction can contribute to both oral and systemic diseases. With the rising number of elderly individuals experiencing oral dysfunction, it is crucial to find effective interventions to prevent further decline in oral function. This study aims to evaluate whether oral exercise training can improve oral function in the elderly and prevent issues such as oral function decline and chewing/swallowing disorders.
[方法]
This study involved 50 community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 65 and older, who participated in a six-week oral exercise program. The exercises were performed before each meal (three times daily), and the effects on oral function were assessed to determine whether the training yielded any improvements. Pre- and post-intervention differences were evaluated using paired t-tests.
【結果與討論】
The study found that after six weeks of oral exercise intervention, there were improvements in saliva secretion, the Repetitive Swallowing Test (RSST), phonation rate, bite force, and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) for quality of life. Notably, improvements in bite force showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.01) following the oral exercise training. Daily oral exercises performed before each meal appeared to improve oral function in elderly individuals. Regular engagement in such exercises can enhance oral function and potentially prevent the onset of chewing and swallowing difficulties.
The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan (NYCU113040A).
[目的]
Among the elderly, the mortality rate significantly increases for those who, in addition to having systemic diseases, also experience functional disabilities. Besides systemic conditions, oral dysfunction can contribute to both oral and systemic diseases. With the rising number of elderly individuals experiencing oral dysfunction, it is crucial to find effective interventions to prevent further decline in oral function. This study aims to evaluate whether oral exercise training can improve oral function in the elderly and prevent issues such as oral function decline and chewing/swallowing disorders.
[方法]
This study involved 50 community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 65 and older, who participated in a six-week oral exercise program. The exercises were performed before each meal (three times daily), and the effects on oral function were assessed to determine whether the training yielded any improvements. Pre- and post-intervention differences were evaluated using paired t-tests.
【結果與討論】
The study found that after six weeks of oral exercise intervention, there were improvements in saliva secretion, the Repetitive Swallowing Test (RSST), phonation rate, bite force, and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) for quality of life. Notably, improvements in bite force showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.01) following the oral exercise training. Daily oral exercises performed before each meal appeared to improve oral function in elderly individuals. Regular engagement in such exercises can enhance oral function and potentially prevent the onset of chewing and swallowing difficulties.
The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article.
The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan (NYCU113040A).