Abstract
We examined changes in physical function and also the correlation between physical function or mastication ability (MA), or comprehensive QOL and nutritional status, in elderly persons who received long-term comprehensive training for preventive care. For physical functions such as knee extension power (KEP), equilibrium function (EF), walking ability (WA), and compound movement (CM), there were significant negative correlations between their initial values and changes resulting from training. These improvements in physical function by long-term training were much more evident when their initial values were lower. There were significant correlations between physical functions such as WA, CM, and MA, and energy intake. Hence, it was suggested that these functions would be improved when energy intake was higher. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between mental component summary (MCS) and BMI: that is, when elderly persons were better nourished, comprehensive mental health was better. It was suggested that mental QOL became higher when elderly persons were well nourished. Consequently, it is suggested that long-term training would be useful for preventive care in elderly persons, especially those with lower physical function. Furthermore, it was clear that good mastication led to a better state of nourishment, which in turn led to better physical function and QOL.
