Development of the Sakiika transport test: A practical screening method for patients with oral-phase dysphagia.

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a simple screening test for mastication, "the Sakiika (squid jerky) transport test (STT), which evaluates the vertical jaw movement coordinated with the lateral tongue movement during stage I transport, and investigate the possibility of its clinical application.

Methods: The study included 73 people with dysphagia (mean age, 78.5 ± 7.

Association between masticatory movement and oral and physical function in healthy older women.

Purpose: This study examined the association between masticatory movement and oral and physical function in healthy older women using clinical assessments considering central motor control.

Methods: A total of 107 independent older women (mean age, 74.37 ± 4.

Effect of dysphagia rehabilitation in patients receiving enteral nutrition at home nursing care: A retrospective cohort study.

Objective: We considered the effect of dysphagia rehabilitation and investigated parameters associated with the resumption of oral intake in the elderly patients receiving home nursing care who were not eating by mouth.

Methods: The participants were 116 patients aged ≥65 years (66 men and 50 women, mean age 79.7 ± 8.

Tongue function is important for masticatory performance in the healthy elderly: a cross-sectional survey of community-dwelling elderly.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the influences of oral motor function such as tongue function and bite force on masticatory performance in the elderly.

Methods: We randomly selected 245 subjects who has 28 natural teeth among community-dwelling elderly. We evaluated masticatory performance using a gummy jelly, and also measured bite force, tongue muscle force, and the speed of tongue movement.

Factors related to skeletal muscle mass in the frail elderly.

It is important for the elderly to maintain their skeletal muscle mass, which in turn helps to maintain physical functions. This study aimed to clarify factors related to skeletal muscle mass maintenance. Home-bound elderly (94 men and 216 women), at least 75 years of age, attending a day-care center in Tokyo, were enrolled in this study.