Lower-extremity physical performance and field-based oral function measures in community-dwelling older women: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Given the age-related declines in physical and oral function, this study investigated the link between lower-extremity performance and oral function in 102 community-dwelling women aged 65–85 in Incheon, Republic of Korea. Participants were categorized into robust or low physical performance groups based on their Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSTS) completion time (low physical performance ≥ 12 seconds). Oral function was assessed using oral diadochokinesis (ODK), the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10), the Repetitive Saliva Swallowing Test (RSST), and masticatory function. The low FTSTS performance group exhibited poorer physical performance (e.g., lower handgrip strength, slower gait speed) and poorer oral function (e.g., lower ODK values, higher EAT-10 scores, fewer RSST swallows, lower masticatory function). All oral function indicators were significantly associated with low FTSTS performance in univariable analyses. In multivariable models, EAT-10, RSST, and masticatory function remained significantly associated with low FTSTS performance, even after accounting for sarcopenia-related indicators and ankle muscle strength. These findings suggest that reduced lower-extremity performance is associated with poorer oral-motor, swallowing, and masticatory function in older women. Field-based oral function measures could be valuable additions to integrated functional assessments for older adults with reduced lower-extremity physical performance.