Abstract
ObjectiveThere 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 methodsWe 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.ResultsMean 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.ConclusionParticipation 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.
Highlights
The local government of Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, Japan, launched a combined program, including physical exercise, oral health instruction, and nutritional guidance, to promote healthy living among older people
It is hypothesized that our health program may improve physical and oral function in community-dwelling older people
Since 2015, the local government of Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, Japan, has been providing a health program that includes physical exercise, oral health instruction, and nutritional guidance for older people aged ≥65 years living in several local communities
Summary
To guarantee the comprehensive provision of preventive and healthcare services, nursing care, and life support for older people, the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare has introduced a community-based integrated care system model (Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, 2016). Some epidemiological studies have demonstrated that community-based education and exercise programs can improve physical and oral function in older people (Miyoshi et al, 2019; Ohara et al, 2015; Sakayori et al, 2016; Kaneko et al, 2009). The local government of Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture, Japan, launched a combined program, including physical exercise, oral health instruction, and nutritional guidance, to promote healthy living among older people. It is hypothesized that our health program may improve physical and oral function in community-dwelling older people. We carried out a preliminary prospective cohort study to clarify the effectiveness of this program by investigating changes in physical and oral function in older people before and after the program
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