Effects of Tongue-Strengthening Exercise on Tongue Strength and Effortful Swallowing Pressure in Young Healthy Adults: A Pilot Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of tongue-strengthening exercise (TSE) on tongue strength and effortful swallowing pressure in young healthy adults.

Method: Thirteen young healthy volunteers (six men, seven women; = 20.5 ± 0.

[Labial closure force, activities of daily living, and cognitive function in frail elderly persons].

Aim: Few studies have reported the influence of declining labial closure force on ADL among frail elderly persons. We therefore investigated to elucidate the relationships among labial closure force, ADL and cognitive function in frail elderly persons.

Methods: The subjects were 92 frail elderly persons.

[Effect of size of tablets on easiness of swallowing and handling among the frail elderly].

Aim: The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of the size of tablets on the status of swallowing and handling during taking medicine among frail elderly persons.

Methods: The subjects of the present study were 73 frail elderly persons. After they conducted simulation taking medicine, they determined the desirable size of tablets using subjective evaluation.

Relationship between general health status and the change in chewing ability: a longitudinal study of the frail elderly in Japan over a 3-year period.

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to identify the onset predictors of a change in chewing ability over a 3-year period in the frail elderly.

Methods: The subjects were frail elderly people living in southern Japan. Data were collected at baseline (n = 92) and 3 years later (n = 60).

[Care assessment related to dysphagia in the frail elderly].

The purpose of the present study was to investigate some symptoms related to dysphagia, comprehensive health status, and oral care in the frail elderly. The subjects were 92 elderly individuals (30 men, 62 women) above 65 years in a nursing home. The risk factors of dysphagia were evaluated by 15 items of self-assessment and 18 items of assessment by their caregivers.