2018 Volume 33 Issue 2 Pages 63-69
Purpose：The purpose of this study was to examine a simple training method that is expected to maintain and improve chewing ability for healthy late-elderly subjects.
Methods：Thirty healthy late-elderly residents living in Yachiyo City, Chiba prefecture and the surrounding areas（9 men, 75-89 years old, 21 women, 75-89 years old）were included. Gum-chewing training was conducted three times a day for 30 days as a simple training method. Mastication ability was evaluated with gummy swallowing threshold（stroke）, gummy swallowing threshold（time）, and chewing check gum. Swallowing ability was evaluated by the repetitive saliva swallowing test（RSST）. Physical function was evaluated by raising one foot with the eyes open.
Results：The chewing ability was significantly improved for chewing stroke, chewing time and chewing check gum. There was no change in swallowing ability. Body function was significantly improved.
Conclusions：We found that gum-chewing training for 30 days improved chewing ability and physical function. Thus, gum-chewing training is an excellent functional training method.
