Effects of an Oral Exercise Program in Community Health Services on Oral and General Functions in Older Adults

2024 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 23K16086
• 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: Hatta Kodai 大阪大学, 大学院歯学研究科, 招へい教員 (60845949)
• 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 examine the effects of participation in community-based gatherings on oral function among community-dwelling older adults aged 65 years and over, based on the hypothesis that oral exercise programs implemented in such gatherings contribute to the maintenance of oral function, which in turn helps preserve overall physical function. Specifically, the study investigated both the impact of participation in these gatherings on oral function and the intervention effects of oral exercise programs on oral function, cognitive function, and physical function.
The results indicated that support for oral functional training contributes not only to the maintenance and improvement of oral function in older adults but also to the enhancement of health-related behaviors.

Free Research Field

高齢者歯科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本成果は、地域密着型の歯科保健活動が高齢者の口腔機能の維持・改善に寄与する重要な役割を担っていることを示しており、行政と歯科専門職との協働による介入が効果的であることを裏付けるものとなった。今後は、フレイル予防や介護予防の視点からも、地域包括ケアシステムにおける口腔機能への働きかけの重要性が一層高まると考えられる。