New population approach using depth sensors for the management of oral hypofunction

2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23K16065
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 57050:Prosthodontics-related
• Research Institution: Osaka University
• Principal Investigator: Mameno Tomoaki 大阪大学, 大学院歯学研究科, 助教 (50845922)
• Project Period (FY): 2023-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: 口腔機能 / 高齢者

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of continuous oral function training and professional guidance by dental hygienists among community-dwelling older adults. The findings demonstrated that, across all age groups, participants who engaged in oral function training exhibited maintenance or improvement of various oral functions. Notably, individuals with initially diminished oral function showed statistically significant improvements in multiple domains. Furthermore, time-series analyses of lip and tongue movements using tracking technology suggested potential associations between dynamic oral movements and functional status. These results underscore the efficacy of community-based interventions and indicate the potential for developing simplified tools for oral function assessment.

Free Research Field

高齢者歯科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は，地域包括ケアの現場において，口腔機能訓練や歯科衛生士の介入が高齢者の口腔機能の維持・向上に寄与することを実証し，予防的介入の重要性を示した点で学術的意義が高い．また，動画解析による簡便な機能評価法の開発は，将来的なスクリーニングツールとしての応用が期待される．社会的には，住民主体の健康づくりの一環として行政と専門職の連携が地域高齢者の健康寿命延伸に貢献するモデルを提示しており，全国展開への示唆を与えるものである．