Effects of smartphone-based oral muscle-strengthening training on social support and EEG activity in older adults: randomized controlled trial

Objectives: To examine the effects of smartphone application–based oral muscle-strengthening training on mental health-related outcomes, sleep health, and electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in older individuals. Methods: The per-protocol analysis included 49 individuals aged ≥65 years (intervention group, n=24; control group, n=25). The intervention consisted of 12 sessions over six weeks. Outcomes were measured pre- and post-intervention. Between-group effects were estimated using analysis of covariance, adjusted for corresponding baseline values. If the homogeneity of the regression slope assumption was not met, a change-score sensitivity analysis was performed. Benjamini–Hochberg correction was applied to the EEG outcomes. Results: After baseline adjustment, perceived social support was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (adjusted mean difference, 15.48; 95% confidence interval, 10.43–20.54; p<0.001). There were no significant differences in the other mental-health-related or sleep outcomes. Rest and attention EEG indices were lower in the intervention group and remained significantly lower after multiple-comparison corrections (q=0.020 and q=0.016, respectively). Conclusions: The intervention was associated with higher perceived social support and differences in selected EEG indices. The clinical significance of the EEG findings is uncertain, and they require confirmation in larger, longer-term studies.