Association of physical performance with oral function in older women participating in community‐based health exercise programs

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between physical performance and oral function in older women participating in community‐based physical and oral exercise programs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 163 older women (mean age: 77.4 ± 8.6 years) who participated in weekly health programs in Takehara City, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, from August to December 2018. Physical fitness was assessed using a handgrip strength test, a timed up and go test, a one‐leg standing time with eyes open test, and a 30‐s chair stand test (CS‐30). Tongue pressure, oral diadochokinesis, and dysphagia risk assessment for the community‐dwelling elderly were used to assess oral function. RESULTS: Participants were divided into women aged 65–74 years (younger group) and those aged ≥75 years (older group). There was no significant difference in oral function measures between the groups. A significant correlation was found between CS‐30 and oral diadochokinesis for /pa/, /ta/, and /ka/ (Spearman's rank correlation; /pa/: r = .234, p = .009; /ta/: r = .299, p = .001; and /ka/: r = .283, p = .002) in the older group. Multivariable analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between CS‐30 and /ta/ repetition in the older group (p = .016). CONCLUSIONS: Oral function (i.e., tongue motor function) may be associated with physical performance (i.e., lower leg muscle strength) in women aged ≥75 years. Further study is necessary to clarify sex differences in oral function deterioration.