[Design and validation of the masticatory capacity index: from biomechanical complexity to reproducible clinical quantification].

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: to develop and validate the Masticatory Capacity Index (MCI), an objective and standardized tool designed to translate the biomechanical complexity of chewing into a clinically reproducible quantitative metric using an algorithmic integration of functional variables.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

design: a quantitative index was created where a score of 100 represents optimal capacity, decreasing proportionally based on structural and functional impairments.

PROCESS: clinical data and panoramic radiographs were processed using custom-developed software to automate the calculation.

VALIDATION: the MCI was tested on 56 patients by multiple healthcare professionals. Reliability was measured via the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), and validity was assessed by correlating MCI scores with the GOHAI (Geriatric Oral Health Assessment Index) using Spearman's coefficient (r).

RESULTS

reliability: the tool showed excellent inter-rater agreement (ICC = 0.95). Clinical correlation: a strong negative correlation (r = -0.87) was found between MCI and GOHAI scores, indicating that the objective algorithmic assessment aligns closely with patients' subjective perceptions of oral health. Consistency: the algorithm's outputs were consistent with established scientific literature regarding individual masticatory risk factors.

CONCLUSION

the development and validation of the Masticatory Capacity Index (MCI) provides an objective metric for the rapid and effective screening of functional and nutritional risk in adult and geriatric populations. By establishing itself as a clinically viable tool for preventive medicine, primary care, and gerontology, it functions analogously to universal biomarkers such as the body mass index (BMI). Its implementation enables the early identification of patients with nutritional vulnerability or risk of systemic pathologies arising from a deficient state of the stomatognathic organs required for adequate mastication.