저작 관련 근육 마사지에 따른 구강노쇠 기능 개선 효과

Improvement of Oral Frailty Function following Mastication-related Muscle Massage

Objectives: This study aimed to confirm the improvement in oral frailty function following mastication-related muscle massage in the elderly over 65 years of age. Methods: The mastication-related muscle massages were divided into four groups (control, mastication massage, sternocleidomastoid massage, and mastication and sternocleidomastoid massage), and the massage was performed twice a day for three weeks. Improvement was confirmed by measuring six items (Mastication ability, Bite force, Swallowing function, Oral hygiene, and Tongue muscle strength) before and after the massage. Results: Significant improvements were seen in bite force (p=0.002), oral hygiene (cariogenic bacteria; p=0.037), acidity (p=0.014), buffering capacity (p=0.013), and tongue muscle strength (p<0.001). Positive changes were observed in all items in the mastication massage and the mastication and sternocleidomastoid massage groups. Positive changes were observed in all items except for the swallowing function in the sternocleidomastoid group. Conclusions: Evaluation tools and intervention strategies for oral frailty are still under active development in Korea. This study provides meaningful foundational data for the design of effective and accessible programs.