Deterioration of occlusal status affects physical fitness in the elderly
Year: 2011
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Physical fitness including lower extremity muscle strength and balance function is important for elderly people. Reductions in lower extremity muscle strength or balance function are related to an increased risk of falls. Such falls often lead to fractures and a bedridden state. Thus, maintenance of physical fitness among the elderly helps to preserve their disabilityfree life expectancy and quality of life. Physical fitness and oral status are related. Deterioration of oral status is associated with loss of physical fitness such as muscle strength, balance function and agility in the elderly. We conducted a crosssectional and longitudinal study to examine the influence of oral status on physical fitness decline in an elderly population, focusing our attention on the occlusal status. We clarified that the occlusal status influenced the agerelated deteriorations of leg extensor power and balance function. Maintenance of occlusal condition may contribute preventing physical fitness decline in the elderly, thereby enhancing their activities of daily living and quality of life.
Source: 口腔衛生学会雑誌
Author: Takayuki Yamaga
Language: English
Subfield: Physiology (medical)
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W244036587