The Effects of Masticatory Exercise Using Chewing Gum on Cognitive Function and Stress

Abstract

Masticatory function affects energy expenditure, heart rate, working memory, choice reaction time, and psychological arousal. In other words, masticatory function is closely related to cognitive processing ability. It also influences concentration and stress. The purpose of this study was to determine whether masticatory exercise training using chewing gum can improve cognitive function and stress. The participants were recruited from Sahmyook University and were divided into a masticatory exercise group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15) by having each of the subjects take out one card from a box containing two types of cards representing the study groups. This study used sugar-free chewing gum with xylitol for the masticatory exercise. Cognitive function and stress were assessed before and after the masticatory exercise. The Memorizing Numbers (MN), Finding a Picture by Name (FPN), and Match Card (MC) components of the COMCOG® test were used to assess cognitive function, which is closely linked to memory, attention, and concentration. Stress was measured using the SA-3000P® system. COMCOG® component scores and stress resistance (SR) and stress index (SI) scores were assessed before and after the training. The groups significantly differed in MN, FPN, MC, SR, and SI scores (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that masticatory exercise using chewing gum improves cognitive function and reduces stress.