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

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Oral Health Care

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Salivary gland massage

Participants will perform a salivary gland massage before each of their three meals, 10 times per gland, for three cycles, approximately 2 minutes each, for three months.

BEHAVIORAL

General Oral Health Education

Health Education Presentation and Leaflet, Massage Not Performed

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Chiayi Christian Hospital

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• I-Chun Chen, AHN · Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

65 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-09-02

Primary Completion

2025-12-15

Completion

2026-08-30

Countries

• Taiwan

Study Locations