2022 Volume 37 Issue 2 Pages 76-84
Objective：To clarify the physical and motor functions that influence the Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test（RSST）, a method of assessing oral function, in older adults with suspected dynapenia and sarcopenia living in an aging community.
Subjects and Methods：The subjects were 253 homebound older people（71 males and 182 females, mean age 77.5±6.8 years）who participated in motor function measurement in a town in Miyazaki Prefecture and agreed with the purpose of the study. Body composition measurement by the multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance method, RSST, and motor function measurement were conducted. The subjects were classified into healthy, presarcopenic, sarcopenic, and dynapenic groups, and their RSST results, body composition, and motor function were compared. Physical and exercise factors that were determinants of RSST were extracted by multiple regression analysis.
Results：RSST values were significantly decreased in subjects with sarcopenia and dynapenia（p<0.05）. Isometric knee extensor strength was a significant determinant of the RSST value in the sarcopenia and dynapenia groups（p<0.01）.
Conclusion：Significant reductions in RSST values were observed in the dynapenia group, a group that has been often overlooked in previous frailty measures. The results suggest the need to strengthen exercise and oral function improvement programs for people with dynapenia and to address risk reduction in exercise and oral function.
