Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Synchronized with Chewing Exercises on Bite Force and Masseter Muscle Thickness in Community-Dwelling Older Adults in South Korea: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Ji-Su Park, Young-Jin Jung and Min-Ji Kim
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Ji-Su Park: Advanced Human Resource Development Project Group for Health Care in Aging Friendly Industry, Dongseo University, Busan 47011, Korea
Young-Jin Jung: Advanced Human Resource Development Project Group for Health Care in Aging Friendly Industry, Dongseo University, Busan 47011, Korea
Min-Ji Kim: Department of Dental Hygiene, DongSeo University, Busan 47011, Korea

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-9

Abstract: This study is aimed at investigating the effects of synchronized neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and chewing exercises on bite force and the masseter muscle thickness in community-dwelling older adults. Material and methods: Forty older adults were enrolled in South Korea and randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group performed chewing exercises using the No-Sick Exerciser equipment synchronized with NMES applied to the bilateral masseter muscles, while the control group performed only chewing exercises. Both groups received interventions for 20 min/day, 5 days/week, for 6 weeks. Bite force was measured using the OCCLUZER device, and masseter muscle thickness was measured using a portable ultrasound. Results: Both groups showed a significant increase in bite force and masseter muscle thickness compared to baseline measurements ( p < 0.05). The experimental group showed a significantly higher increase in bite force and masseter muscle thickness than the control group after combined intervention ( p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that NMES synchronized with chewing exercises is more efficient in increasing bite force and masseter muscle thickness than chewing exercises alone in community-dwelling older adults.

Keywords: electrical stimulation; masseter muscle; mastication; occlusal force; resistance training; sarcopenia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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