Effect of Oral Function Training on Swallowing Function in Community-Dwelling Older Individuals

Hee-Jung  Lim; Jun-Yeong  Kwon; Na-Yeon  Tak; Ae-Jung  Im; Hyoung-Joo  Kim

doi:10.18502/ijph.v53i11.16956

Hee-Jung Lim Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health Science, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
Jun-Yeong Kwon Department of Dental Hygiene, Kyungwoon University, Gumi, Republic of Korea
Na-Yeon Tak Department of Dentistry, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Ae-Jung Im Department of Dental Hygiene, Hallym Polytechnic University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
Hyoung-Joo Kim Department of Dental Hygiene, College of Health Science, Graduate School, Eulji University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijph.v53i11.16956

Keywords: Older individuals; Oral function training program; Oral function exercise; Tongue stretching exercise

Abstract

Background: Dry mouth, masticatory discomfort, and swallowing in older individuals are important factors affecting overall health. To improve their quality of life, efforts are required to improve their oral function. Therefore, this study implemented a training program evaluating oral function to confirm improvements in swallowing.

Methods: The study was conducted for approximately 4 months, from Jul to Oct 2023. Participants aged 65 yr or older were selected from welfare facilities in the metropolitan region, with 24 participants in both the intervention and control groups.

Results: As a result of a study conducted on oral function training program, the intervention group exhibited significant improvements in the simulated swallowing flow rate (P <0.05), bite force (P <0.001), and tongue pressure (P <0.001).

Conclusion: The oral function training program effectively improved simulated swallowing flow rate, bite force, and tongue pressure. Consequently, there is an opportunity to implement oral function training programs at accessible welfare centers for older individuals in the community.