A colour-based image segmentation method for the measurement of masticatory performance in older adults

Masticatory efficiency in older adults is an important parameter for the assessment of their oral health and quality life. This study presents a measurement method based on automatic segmentation two-coloured chewing gum <em>K</em>-means clustering algorithm. The solution proposed aims to quantify mixed areas colour order evaluate masticatory performance different dental conditions. samples were provided by ‘two-colour mixing’ tests, currently most used technique evaluation efficacy, because its simplicity, low acquisition times reduced cost. image analysis results demonstrated high discriminative power, providing manner reducing errors caused manual segmentation. approach thus provides feasible robust chewed samples. Validation was carried out means reference software, demonstrating good correlation (<em>R</em><sup>2 </sup>= 0.64) higher sensitivity (+75 %). Tests patients with conditions that enabled classification conditions, shorter time period (20 cycles instead 50).