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BACKGROUND: The aim of this prospective cohort study was to clarify changes in physical and oral function in older adults after completing a 3-month health program combining physical and oral exercise, oral health instruction, and nutritional guidance. METHODS: Subjects were 34 women aged at least 70 years (mean age 79.2 years) in Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, Japan. Physical and oral function was investigated on the first day (baseline), at the end of the program, and 6 and 12 months after completing the health program. Physical function was measured using handgrip strength test, timed up and go (TUG) test and one-leg standing time test. Oral diadochokinesis test and repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST) were employed to assess oral function. RESULTS: TUG scores were significantly lower at 6 and 12 months than at baseline in participants aged ≥70 and <80 years. The repetition rate of the monosyllables /pa/, /ta/, and /ka/ was improved at the end of program in participants aged ≥70 and <80 years and increased to more than 6 times/second at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our 3-month health program maintained improvements in oral and physical function in older women 1 year after completing the program.
RESUMEN
Objective: There is limited evidence about the most appropriate way to improve physical and oral function in older people. The aim of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of a long-term care prevention program combining physical exercise, oral health instruction, and nutritional guidance among community-dwelling older people. Materials and methods: We included 43 older people aged at least 65 years (seven men and 23 women; mean age 75.3 years) in Bungotakada City, Japan. The 3-month program involved a weekly intervention. Physical and oral function was investigated on the first day of the program (i.e., baseline) and at the end of the program (i.e., after 3 months). Physical function was examined using measures such as handgrip strength, timed up-and-go test, and one-leg standing time with eyes open. An oral diadochokinesis test was used to assess oral function. Results: Mean maximum handgrip strength increased significantly in older people aged ≤74 years (younger participants) and those aged ≥75 years (older participants) after 3 months compared with the baseline. The timed up-and-go test duration was significantly lower in older participants after the program. Repetition of the monosyllables pa and ka and the repetitive saliva swallowing test was significantly improved in both groups. The dysphagia risk assessment for the community-dwelling elderly score was significantly lower in younger participants after 3 months. Conclusion: Participation in a 3-month program combining physical exercise, oral health instruction, and nutritional guidance may contribute to improvement or maintenance of oral and physical function in older people.