The Instruction of Chewing Well Affects Masticatory Activity and Bolus Flow During Rice Chewing in Healthy Humans

Area of Science:

• Oral physiology
• Biomechanics of mastication
• Deglutition research

Background:

• Chewing well (CW) is a common recommendation for maintaining overall health.
• Understanding the physiological effects of CW is crucial for dietary guidance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine healthy participants' understanding of 'chewing well' (CW).
• To investigate the impact of CW on masticatory muscle activity and bolus flow during rice consumption.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-six healthy participants chewed rice (8, 12, 16g) under free chewing and CW conditions.
• Masticatory muscle activity was measured using electromyography (EMG).
• Bolus flow was analyzed via videofluoroscopy.

Main Results:

• Participants associated CW with prolonged chewing duration.
• CW reduced masseter muscle EMG activity per cycle.
• Effects on suprahyoid activity and bolus flow varied with food volume.

Conclusions:

• CW reduces masseter muscle activity regardless of food volume.
• Suprahyoid activity and bolus flow are influenced by CW and food volume.
• CW alters chewing rate dynamics, particularly in later stages for smaller volumes and earlier stages for larger volumes.