Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Evaluating the Function of the Foot Core System in the Elderly
Published on: March 11, 2022
Relationship between dental occlusion and functional dependence in elderly Caucasians
P Diz1, M Cardoso2, M Diniz-Freitas1
1Medical-Surgical Dentistry Research Group (OMEQUI), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
Objective:
To determine whether a relationship exists between the number of functional masticatory units (FMUs) and the level of functional dependence of elderly.
Subjects And Methods:
The study group comprised 502 elderly Caucasians living in nursing homes in north-west Spain and Portugal. The number of FMUs was counted on direct visual inspection. The degree of dependence was assessed using the Barthel index. The results were validated in a group of 156 elderly. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using a generalised linear model (GLM), a logistic GLM, a ROC-GLM curve and a confusion matrix.
Results:
The number of FMUs significantly affected the Barthel index score (explained deviance = 27.5%). The number of FMUs was significantly associated with a lower probability of dependence, both for women (explained deviance = 31%) and for men (explained deviance = 33%). The model based on FMUs showed a good discriminatory capacity for dependence (AUC = 0.84 in women and 0.82 in men). The predictive capacity of the dependence model based on FMUs was very high (sensitivity = 0.9 in women and 0.8 in men).
Conclusions:
In institutionalised elderly Caucasians, the number of FMUs is significantly associated with the Barthel index score and could be a predictive factor for dependence.
Related Concept Videos
Relationship Formation
Ending Relationships
Temperature Dependence on Reaction Rate
Atoms, molecules, or ions must collide before they can react with each other. Atoms must be close together to form chemical bonds. This premise is the basis for a theory that explains many observations regarding chemical kinetics, including factors affecting reaction rates.
The collision theory is based on the postulates that (i) the reaction rate is proportional to the rate of reactant collisions, (ii) the reacting species collide in an orientation allowing contact between...
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Duration of Dose-Effect Relationship
Relationship Growth
Pharmacokinetic–Pharmacodynamic Relationship: Intensity of Dose-Effect Relationship

