Oropharyngeal functions are related to physical activity level and quality of life in older adults

Yesilkus R., SEREL ARSLAN S.

GERIATRIC NURSING, pp.129-135, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2025.01.031
  • Journal Name: GERIATRIC NURSING
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, ASSIA, Abstracts in Social Gerontology, AgeLine, CINAHL, EMBASE
  • Page Numbers: pp.129-135
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between oropharyngeal functions and physical activity levels and quality of life in older adults. The Clinical Frailty Scale and Simple Questionnaire to Rapidly Diagnose Sarcopenia were used to assess frailty. Oropharyngeal functions were assessed using the Test of Masticating and Swallowing Solids (TOMASS) and Yale Swallowing Protocol (YSP). The Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) was used to assess physical activity, and Short Form-36 (SF-36) to assess quality of life. There was a negative correlation between TOMASS and work-related activities (p = 0.024) and between YSP and total score and household activities (p < 0.05). There were negative correlations between role-physical and number of bites (p = 0.034) and total time of TOMASS (p < 0.001), and between role-emotional and number of bites, total time of TOMASS and YSP (p < 0.05). In conclusion, poor oropharyngeal function is associated with reduced physical activity and poorer quality of life in older adults. (c) 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.