2019 Volume 9 Issue 1 Pages 2-9
Improvement in oral function not only improves swallowing function but also helps prevent lifestyle-related diseases, such as stroke and diabetes. Therefore, modern dental care needs to provide support for overall body management as well as oral health management. A significant correlation has been reported between oral function indicated by maximum lip pressure and maximum tongue pressure and motor function evaluated by grip strength and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test in older persons. However, the correlation between oral and motor function in young adults has not been clarified. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between oral and motor function in young adults, and to examine the effectiveness of oral health support for maintaining general health.
The participants were 24 female students enrolled at the Department of Dental Hygiene in Nippon Dental University College at Tokyo. We measured maximum tongue pressure to evaluate oral function. We also measured grip strength, TUG, and the 30-Second Chair Stand Test (CS-30) to evaluate motor function. Subsequently, we statistically investigated the correlation between oral and motor function.
We found a significant correlation between maximum tongue pressure and grip strength (r = 0.560 (p <0.001)). However, no significant correlation was found between maximum tongue pressure and TUG, or between maximum tongue pressure and CS-30.
Grip strength is considered to indicate the basic physical strength of the entire body. Therefore, our results indicate a correlation between oral function and general physical fitness. The findings suggest the need for dental hygienists to understand the correlation between oral function and general physical fitness and to support patients in the acquisition of exercise habits to maintain eating and swallowing functions throughout their life.
