The relationship between the occlusal force and physical function in the frail elderly

Abstract

[Objective] This study was investigated of the relationship between occlusal force and physical function in the frail elderly. [Subjects and Method] Fifty-five frail elderly persons receiving daycare service participated in the study. We measured occlusal force, number of residual teeth, grip strength, leg strength, one-leg standing time with eyes open test, Timed up and go test, and Functional reach test. Items independently associated with occlusal force were extracted in stepwise multiple regression analysis. [Results] Number of residual teeth and one-leg standing time with eyes open test were found to be independently associated with occlusal force. [Conclusion] Occlusal force, an objective indicator of mastication ability, was found to correlate with the number of residual teeth, an indicator of dental health, and one-leg standing time, an indicator of static balance ability.