Effects of a Salivary Gland Massage Program on Salivary Flow , Xerostomia, Chewing, and Swallowing, and Oral Health Among Community- Dwelling Older Adults

Chiayi Christian Hospital

Status

Invitation-only

Conditions

Oral Health Care

Treatments

Behavioral: General Oral Health Education

Behavioral: Salivary gland massage

Study type

Interventional

Funder types

Other

Identifiers

NCT07251543

IRB2025071

Details and patient eligibility

About

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of salivary gland massage on saliva flow, xerostomia, chewing and swallowing, and oral health among community-dwelling elderly.

Design: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial, in which both participants and interventionists were unaware of group assignments.

Sample and setting: Community-dwelling older adults were recruited from community centers in Minxiong Township and were randomly assigned by center to either the intervention group (n = 54) or the control group (n = 54) using simple randomization.

Methods: the investigators conducted a randomized controlled trial with 108 older adults aged 65 and above from community centers in Chiayi County, Taiwan. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=54), who received guided salivary gland massage, or a control group (n=54), who received a health education leaflet on oral care. Before and after the intervention, the investigators assessed dry mouth symptoms, oral mucosal moisture, The Modified Water Swallowing Test, and Tongue Coating Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, applying chi-square tests, paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and generalized estimating equations to determine whether the massage intervention could improve saliva production, ease dry mouth, enhance chewing and swallowing functions, and promote better oral health.

Expected Research Benefits: Salivary gland massage is a simple, safe, and self-administered health promotion method. The findings of this study may serve as an intervention strategy for health promotion programs, aiming to enhance oral health and quality of life among community-dwelling older adults, while reducing the healthcare burden associated with oral health problems. Additionally, this approach may strengthen older adults' engagement in preventive health management and increase their willingness to actively manage their own health.

Enrollment

108 estimated patients

Sex

All

Ages

65+ years old

Volunteers

No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Age ≥ 65 years.
Mentally aware and able to express themselves in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
Able to follow instructions and participate in activities.
After the researcher explains the purpose and procedures of the study, they voluntarily participate in the study and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion criteria

Elderly individuals with Sjögren's disease, head and neck cancer, tongue disease, or those undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Those with cognitive impairment or unable to safely participate in exercise training.
Those unable to provide written informed consent.