Can grip strength and/or walking speed be simple indicators of the deterioration in tongue pressure and jaw opening force in older individuals?

ConclusionsThere was a sex‐based difference in the correlations between whole‐body strength and swallowing‐related muscle strength. Among men, swallowing‐related muscle strength was correlated with whole‐body strength, and grip strength could thus serve as a simple indicator for swallowing‐related muscle strength.
Clinical relevanceDecreased swallowing‐related muscle strength can be inferred in cases involving male patients for whom decreased grip strength is measured during physical examination or is otherwise suggested (eg, by an inability to open plastic bottles).

Source: Gerodontology - August 23, 2017 Category: Dentistry Authors: Yoko Wakasugi, Haruka Tohara, Nami Machida, Ayako Nakane, Shunsuke Minakuchi Tags: ORIGINAL ARTICLE Source Type: research