The effects of an oral function improvement program involving chewy kelp texture for local elderly japanese people: a pilot study

Objective: The purpose of this study is to verify the efficacy and sustainability of an oral function improvement program involving chewy kelp texture in nutrition designed specifically for an elderly Japanese population. Study Design: A small pilot study Method: We developed a chewy kelp nutritional formula through the collaboration of geriatric nursing specialists and the professional staff of a seaweed processing company. The program to improve oral function consisted of a) salivary gland massage and swallowing exercises three times daily before each meal, followed by b) training to chew and eat chewy kelp. The program was conducted for two weeks, and such vital signs as blood pressure (BP), pulse, saliva secretion (relative value of average oral water content), tongue pressure, and occlusal force (glucose elution amount) were measured before and after the intervention. Results: 10 participants (4 male / 6 female: mean age 74.7 ± 5.4 years) enrolled. The program implementation rate of the participants was 93.6%. Measurements before and after the intervention included mean systolic BP (before, after, p) (138.0 ± 20.0, 131.0 ± 16.4 mmHg, p = .177), mean diastolic BP (79.6 ± 12.6, 73.2 ± 6.6 mmHg, p = .075), mean pulse (75.7 ± 11.0, 74.1 ± 10.8 times / min., p = .577), average oral mucosal moisture relative value (28.2 ± 4.9, 25.9 ± 3.3, p = .160), mean tongue pressure (29.6 ± 6.7, 32.3 ± 7.1 kPa, p = .213), and occlusal force (199.7 ± 78.9, 183.2 ± 42.7 mg / dL, p = .254). Among the participants, in one case in which occlusal function had significantly reduced, both mean systolic and diastolic BP decreased, and both tongue pressure and occlusal force increased. Conclusion: The high implementation rate indicated the potential sustainability of this program. Nevertheless, this study had certain limitations. First, the number of participants in the pilot study was small, falling short of the customary statistical sample size. In addition, because the implementation period was limited, any long-term effects of the program were not yet possible to show. Among preliminary findings of the study, for participants with impaired occlusal function, oral function may be improved and BP stabilized. Since periodontal disease is highly associated with cardiovascular disease and such side effects of hypertension drugs as increased thirst, it can be expected that longer trials of this program may see increased saliva production and improved oral function in participants.