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Today’s feature uncovers how Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) can strengthen the jaw muscles, improving bite force and masseter thickness among older adults.
(Scroll to the end of each post to find a link to the original study, often with full PDFs—perfect for building your research collection.)
Let’s explore how this cutting-edge research can inspire curiosity and better health solutions.
What is This Research About?
Research Article Name:
Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Masseter Muscle Thickness and Maximal Bite Force among Healthy Community-Dwelling Persons Aged 65 Years and Older: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Who Conducted the Research?
This groundbreaking study was conducted by Moon-Young Chang, Gihyoun Lee, Young-Jin Jung, and Ji-Su Park. They are affiliated with prestigious institutions, including:
- Inje University, Gimhae, South Korea
- Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
- Dongseo University, Busan, South Korea
These universities and centers are globally respected for their advanced work in healthcare and aging-related research.
When and Where Was It Published?
This study was published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health in 2020, a trusted peer-reviewed journal.
What Did the Researchers Do?
They conducted a six-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 40 healthy seniors aged 65 and older.
Participants were divided into two groups:
- Experimental Group: Received NMES on their jaw muscles.
- Placebo Group: Received low-intensity NMES for comparison.
Both groups underwent 20-minute sessions, five times per week, for six weeks.
What Did They Find?
General Positive Findings:
NMES significantly improved jaw strength and muscle thickness in the experimental group, offering a practical, non-invasive solution for enhancing oral health in older adults.
Specific Evidence Supporting These Findings:
-
Masseter Muscle Thickness:
- Increased by 13% in the experimental group (from 7.36 mm to 8.34 mm).
- Placebo group saw minimal improvement (from 7.60 mm to 7.69 mm).
-
Maximal Bite Force:
- Improved by 5% in the experimental group (from 261 N to 275 N).
- Placebo group showed no significant change.
-
Safety and Comfort:
- No adverse effects were reported, confirming NMES as a safe intervention.
Why Does This Matter?
As we age, sarcopenia—the loss of muscle mass—can weaken the jaw muscles, making chewing difficult. Weak chewing muscles can lead to swallowing problems and poor nutrition. NMES offers an innovative way to combat these challenges by strengthening the masseter muscles, improving bite force, and supporting overall oral health.
How Can NMES Help You?
If you’re over 65 or know someone struggling with weak jaw muscles, NMES might:
- Improve chewing and swallowing.
- Enhance muscle strength without exhausting physical exercises.
- Provide a non-invasive solution for better oral health.
What Do You Think?
Would you try NMES to improve your bite strength? Do you know someone who could benefit from this? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
Research Details
Original Title: Effect of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation on Masseter Muscle Thickness and Maximal Bite Force among Healthy Community-Dwelling Persons Aged 65 Years and Older
Simplified Title: How NMES Can Strengthen Jaw Muscles for Older Adults
Link to Study: Read the Full Study Here
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