It is known that the swallowing function is related not only to the swallowing-related muscle groups around the oral cavity but also to the muscle mass and strength of the trunk such as the back muscle.However, it is necessary to consider a different approach to swallowing rehabilitation for the elderly requiring nursing care who have difficulty in exercising to maintain swallowing function.

　In the past, this group has shown that getting out of bed for the elderly requiring long-term care is related to swallowing function. We investigated the relationship between bedtime and systemic muscle mass and swallowing function.

　As a result, it was found that limb skeletal muscle mass and swallowing function were maintained in those who left the bed for 4 hours or more, regardless of the degree of care required, compared to those who left the bed for only 0 to 4 hours.Furthermore, it was also shown that those who left the bed for 6 hours or more maintained a large amount of muscle mass in the trunk in addition to the limb skeletal muscles and ate a diet close to a normal diet.Allowing time to get out of bed and resist gravity may help maintain muscle mass throughout the body.It was also suggested that leaving the bed for 6 hours or more supports the wakefulness and trunk function required for mastication, and leads to the maintenance of swallowing function.

　From this study, it was scientifically clarified that getting out of bed is effective as a rehabilitation for eating and swallowing for elderly people requiring long-term care, and a guideline for the time to get out of bed.It will be easier for elderly people in need of care to set specific goals when they incorporate getting out of bed as a rehabilitation in their daily lives.

Paper information:[Gerontology] Time Spent Away from Bed to Maintain Swallowing Function in Older Adults