Journal Center of Excellent : Health Assistive Technology

Bridging the Gap: Normative data and Reliable Methods for Arch Height Index Measurement – A Systematic

2026-09-04T14:44:13+07:00

The Arch Height Index Measurement System (AHIMS) represents a standardized and more objective methodology for quantifying the height of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) through the utilization of quantifiable anthropometric variables, such as dorsum height and truncated foot length. This systematic review aims to rigorously evaluate the existing body of literature pertaining to the reliability, validity, and technological advancements associated with the AHIMS. A systematic and exhaustive search strategy was diligently executed, employing prominent academic databases, including Google Scholar, Scopus, and PubMed, utilizing a series of targeted keywords that encompass the following terminologies: arch height index, normative values of AHI, arch height measurement techniques, anthropometric measurement systems, digital photographic measurement for foot arch, automatic arch measurement methods, arch index in biomechanics, and foot arch classification methods. The primary objectives of this systematic review were to assess the reliability and validity of the Arch Height indices and measurement techniques across diverse populations and assessment methodologies. The conclusions drawn from this review substantiate the reliability of the arch height measurement system and its extensive applicability in both clinical practice and research contexts

Advancing Assistive Technology: Design, Fabrication and Preliminary Feasibility of a Glass-Fibre Reinforced C-Form Mobility Aid

2026-09-04T15:53:39+07:00

Background: Mobility limitations among elderly individuals and people with temporary lower limb impairments often reduced their ability to perform activities of daily living independently and increased their reliance on caregivers. Conventional walking canes primarily provided balance support but offered limited assistance for functional activities such as retrieving objects from the floor or lifting the affected limb onto a bed. Aim: This study aimed to design a versatile walking cane to improve mobility, enhance independence and promote the safe performance of daily activities. Methods: A multifunctional prototype was developed using lightweight and durable materials, including an aluminum alloy frame, glass fiber components and a slip-resistant rubber tip. The height-adjustable cane incorporated a novel C-shaped distal design to facilitate energy storage and return during gait while providing additional support for functional tasks. The device also enabled users to retrieve objects without bending and assisted in lifting the lower limb during bed transfers. Results: In single-case preliminary testing, the C-form composite mobility aid demonstrated functional usability and improved task efficiency. The participant completed the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test in 20.3 s with stable transitional balance. "Gait velocity during the 10-Meter Walk Test increased by 15.9% (from 0.82 m/s to 0.95 m/s, relative to the age-60 normative mean of 1.24 m/s, accompanied by reduced trunk-lean compensation. Conclusion: This study successfully established the proof-of-concept for a novel glass-fiber-reinforced C-form walking cane featuring an aluminum core designed to enhance user stability, comfort, and ground-contact area while remaining lightweight

Android Application-Based Dental Disease Prevention Education on Dental Health Knowledge and Behaviour among Adolescents

2026-09-02T07:51:32+07:00

Background: Dental and oral health problems affect nearly half of the world's population. The 2018 Indonesian Basic Health Research reported that 57.6% of Indonesians experienced dental and oral health problems, with periodontitis affecting 67.8% of those aged ?15 years. Adolescents experience dental health problems that are not markedly different from those of children and adults, including gingivitis, periodontitis, dental caries, pulpitis, and dental calculus. One promotive strategy is education delivered through media that utilise current technology, namely Android-based applications, which are predominantly used by adolescents. Objective: This study aimed to analyse the effectiveness of Android application-based dental disease prevention education in improving dental health knowledge and behaviour among adolescents. Method: This study used a pre-experimental design with a pretest and posttest one group design. This manuscript reports the results of the intervention group, consisting of 53 junior secondary school (Madrasah Tsanawiyah) students in South Jakarta who received dental health education through the Android-based application “Edugi-Remaja”. Knowledge and behaviour were measured before and after the intervention using a validated and reliable questionnaire. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test; the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was used to analyse the knowledge variable, and the Paired Samples t-Test was used for the behaviour variable. Results: The mean knowledge score increased from 7.96 ± 1.13 (pretest) to 8.77 ± 1.37 (posttest), a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). The mean behaviour score increased from 35.40 ± 4.17 (pretest) to 37.34 ± 4.13 (posttest), also statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: Android application-based dental disease prevention education using Edugi-Remaja significantly improved dental health knowledge and behaviour among adolescents, indicating its potential as a supportive digital health promotion medium in the school setting

Relay Ball Game as an Effort to Improve Oral Health Knowledge Among Elementary School Children

2026-09-04T14:55:15+07:00

Background: Oral and dental health is an essential component of overall health. Insufficient knowledge of oral and dental health among elementary school children may increase their risk of developing oral health problems, particularly dental caries. Health education using interactive and enjoyable learning approaches, such as relay ball games, may provide an effective strategy for improving children’s oral health knowledge. Objective: This study aimed to analyze differences in oral and dental health knowledge before and after health education using a relay ball game among fourth-grade students at SDN Kampung Bulak 02, South Tangerang City, in 2026. Methods: This study employed a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest-posttest approach. The study involved 89 fourth-grade students at SDN Kampung Bulak 02, South Tangerang City, selected using total sampling. Data were collected using a 15-item knowledge questionnaire administered before and after the intervention. The intervention consisted of health education delivered through a relay ball game. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Before the intervention, 47 students (52.8%) demonstrated good knowledge, while 42 students (47.2%) had poor knowledge. Following the intervention, the number of students with good knowledge increased to 88 (98.9%), while only one student (1.1%) remained in the poor knowledge category. The mean knowledge score increased from 67.79 before the intervention to 92.59 after the intervention. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test yielded a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a statistically significant difference in oral and dental health knowledge before and after the intervention. Conclusion: The relay ball game method was effective in improving oral and dental health knowledge among elementary school students

The Effect of CPP-ACP (Casein Phosphopeptide Amorphous Calcium Phosphate) on Salivary pH Changes in Children

2026-09-07T08:22:53+07:00

Background: Salivary pH plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the oral environment. An excessively acidic salivary condition may increase the risk of enamel demineralization and dental caries. Children aged 6–12 years are particularly vulnerable to oral health problems because they are in the mixed-dentition period. One potential preventive agent is casein phosphopeptide–amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), which contains calcium and phosphate and may help maintain mineral balance and oral pH. This study aimed to determine the effect of CPP-ACP use on changes in salivary pH among children aged 6–12 years at SDN 12 Banda Aceh. Methods: This quantitative study employed a pre-experimental design using a one-group pretest–posttest design without a control group. The sample consisted of 77 children. Salivary pH was measured before and after CPP-ACP application using pH indicator paper by matching the resulting color with the standard indicator scale. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test at a significance level of ? = 0.05. Results: The mean salivary pH increased from 5.9351 to 6.8312. Before CPP-ACP application, 80.5% of respondents had acidic salivary pH, 14.3% had neutral pH, and 5.2% had alkaline pH. After application, 14.3% had acidic pH and 85.7% had neutral pH. Fifty-nine respondents experienced an increase in pH, four experienced a decrease, and 14 showed no change. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test yielded p = 0.001 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: CPP-ACP application significantly affected salivary pH and tended to increase salivary pH toward a neutral condition

The Ular Naga Panjang Game as an Effort to Improve Dental and Oral Health Knowledge in Early Childhood

2026-09-04T15:15:57+07:00

Background: Oral and dental health is an important component of overall health. Low levels of oral and dental health knowledge among children may increase the risk of oral health problems, such as dental caries. One approach to improving children's oral and dental health knowledge is education through interactive and enjoyable learning methods, including counseling using the Ular Naga Panjang game. Objective: This study aimed to analyze oral and dental health knowledge before and after counseling using the Ular Naga Panjang game among early childhood children. Methods: A pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was used. The study was conducted at Raudhatul Athfal Nurul Badar, South Jakarta, in April 2026. Total sampling was used. Data were collected using a 10-item multiple-choice questionnaire and analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. Results: Before counseling, 24 students (60%) had good knowledge and 16 students (40%) had poor knowledge. After counseling using the Ular Naga Panjang game, all 40 students (100%) were categorized as having good knowledge. The Wilcoxon test produced a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant difference in knowledge before and after the intervention. Conclusion: The Ular Naga Panjang game was effective in improving oral and dental health knowledge among early childhood children

The Effect of Family-Based Dental Nursing Care Through Home Visits on Mother’s Knowledge

2026-09-07T08:34:07+07:00

Oral health problems remain a challenge in Aceh Province, including Ateuk Pahlawan Village, Banda Aceh City. A survey conducted in October 2025 showed that all 73 children aged 6–12 years had dental caries. The high prevalence of dental caries among children may be influenced by mothers’ low knowledge regarding the maintenance of oral and dental health for children and families. One promotive approach to improve mothers’ knowledge is family-based dental nursing care through home visits. This study aimed to determine the effect of family-based dental nursing care through home visits on mothers’ knowledge in Ateuk Pahlawan Village, Banda Aceh City. This research employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test with control group approach. The total sample consisted of 76 mothers. The research instrument used was a questionnaire sheet. The results showed an increase in mothers’ knowledge in the intervention group after receiving the home visit intervention, with the mean score increasing from 5.34 to 6.79. Statistical analysis indicated a significant improvement in knowledge in the intervention group (p<0.05), whereas no significant improvement was found in the control group. A significant difference in knowledge was also observed between the intervention and control groups after the intervention. It can be concluded that family-based dental nursing care through home visits has a significant effect on improving mothers’ knowledge in Gampong Ateuk Pahlawan, Banda Aceh City. This home-visit approach is recommended as a family based promotive preventive strategy to enhance community dental health

Snakes and Ladders Game-Based Education to Improve Oral and Dental Health Knowledge Among Elementary School Students

2026-09-07T08:49:54+07:00

Background: Dental and oral health problems can have a negative impact on daily life, including decreasing general health, reducing levels of self-confidence, and interfering with performance and attendance at school or work. Dental and oral health in Indonesia among residents aged ? 3 years is 56.9% and the prevalence of dental and oral health problems in Aceh Province is 57%. Snakes and ladders is a game that can be used as a learning medium. Objective: This research is to determine the effect of snakes and ladders game education on increasing knowledge of dental and oral health among students at SDN 54 Banda Aceh City. Research method: used is quantitative research with a quasi-experimental method, with a pretest-posttest nonequivalent control group design. The sampling technique was purposive sampling of students at SDN 54 Banda Aceh City, consisting of 62 students. The test used is the Independent T-Test. Results: students' knowledge before being given education on the snakes and ladders game had an average value of 63.23. Meanwhile, based on students' knowledge after being given education on snake games, the average value was 80.85 with p 0.001 (< 0.005).

Effect of Interactive Education Using Puzzle Media on Oral Health Maintenance Knowledge among elementary school children

2026-09-07T08:57:46+07:00

Background: Oral and dental health is an important component of schoolchildren’s overall health and can affect their quality of life and learning process. Preliminary data collected from 10 third-grade students at MIN 27 Lambaro, Aceh Besar, showed that most students had dental caries, with a mean deft index of 5.6, categorized as high, and an OHI-S score of 3.2, categorized as poor. This condition indicates that students’ oral health maintenance remains inadequate, highlighting the need for engaging and interactive educational approaches, one of which is puzzle-based education. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of interactive education using puzzle media on oral and dental health maintenance knowledge among third-grade students at MIN 27 Lambaro, Aceh Besar. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group. The sample consisted of 74 students divided equally into an intervention group and a control group, with 37 students in each group, selected using total sampling. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using paired-samples and independent-samples t-tests. Results: Knowledge increased in the intervention group, with a mean difference of 5.02 points and a p-value of 0.001 (p < 0.05). In the control group, the increase was not statistically significant, with a mean difference of 0.21 points and a p-value of 0.052 (p > 0.05).Conclusion: Interactive education using puzzle media was effective and significantly improved oral and dental health maintenance knowledge among third-grade students at MIN 27 Lambaro, Aceh Besar

The Effect of Chewing Apples (Malus sylvestris mill.) on The Plaque Index Among Elementary School Students

2026-09-07T09:07:26+07:00

Background: Oral health is an essential part of general health that influences quality of life. Dental plaque is a major factor causing caries and periodontal disease. Plaque control can be achieved mechanically, chemically, or naturally. Apples (Malus sylvestris Mill.), with their high water and fiber content, are recognized as natural tooth cleansers and may reduce plaque index. This study aimed to analyze the effect of chewing apples on plaque index among students at SDN 45 Banda Aceh. Methods: An quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group was employed. The sample consisted of 40 students divided into treatment (chewing apples) and control (rinsing with aquadest) groups. Plaque index was measured using the PHP-M method before and after intervention. Data analysis was conducted using Paired Sample T-test and Independent Samples T-test. Results: In the treatment group, mean plaque scores decreased from 46,10 to 24,25, with most students shifting to good and very good categories. In contrast, the control group showed only a slight reduction from 44,00 to 42,65, with the majority remaining in poor and very poor categories. Statistical analysis revealed t = -9,367 with p < 0,001, confirming a significant difference between groups. Conclusion: Chewing apples proved to have a significant influence on reducing plaque index compared to rinsing with aquadest. Apples can serve as a simple, safe, and practical natural method of plaque control to support children’s oral health. Further studies are recommended to expand sample size and variables for more representative results. Parents are encouraged to provide apples at home as a natural alternative for maintaining children’s dental hygiene, while teachers can integrate these findings into thematic learning and school health programs (UKS) as applicable oral health education material

Tree of Knowledge Media: An Innovative Approach to Improving Cariogenic Food Knowledge Among Elementary

2026-09-02T07:54:06+07:00

Cariogenic foods contain fermentable carbohydrates, particularly sugars, that may contribute to dental caries when consumed frequently. Elementary school children require appropriate health education to improve their understanding of cariogenic foods. Attractive and interactive educational media may facilitate children's understanding of health information. The Tree of Knowledge is a visual educational medium that can be used to support dental health education. This study aimed to describe the level of knowledge about cariogenic foods before and after counseling using Tree of Knowledge media among third-grade students at SDN Baktijaya 3 Depok in 2026. A pre-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest design was conducted in April 2026 involving 86 third-grade students selected through random sampling from a population of 110 students. Data were collected using a 15-item multiple-choice questionnaire administered before and seven days after counseling. The intervention was delivered using Tree of Knowledge media in three small groups. Data were analyzed descriptively and presented as frequency distributions and percentages. Before the intervention, 48 students (55.8%) had poor knowledge and 38 students (44.2%) had moderate knowledge, with no students categorized as having good knowledge. After the intervention, 84 students (97.7%) had good knowledge, while 2 students (2.3%) had moderate knowledge, and none had poor knowledge. The mean knowledge score increased from 8.03 out of 15 (53.57%) before the intervention to 13.58 out of 15 (90.54%) after the intervention, representing an increase of 36.98 percentage points. The findings suggest that Knowledge Tree Media may be an effective educational approach for improving elementary school students’ knowledge about cariogenic foods

Gargling with Boiled Red Ginger (Zingiber Officinale Var. Rubrum) Water on Changes in Saliva pH

2026-09-05T00:54:21+07:00

Salivary pH plays an important role in maintaining the balance of the oral environment and preventing dental caries. A decrease in salivary pH accelerates enamel demineralization; therefore, efforts to increase salivary pH are needed. Red ginger) contains bioactive compounds with antibacterial properties and can stimulate salivary secretion, making it a potential natural mouthwash. This study aimed to analyze the effect of gargling with boiled red ginger water on changes in salivary pH among residents of Dilib Lamteungoh Village, Aceh Besar Regency. Methods A quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design was conducted involving 54 respondents selected through purposive sampling. Participants were divided into an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group gargled with 10 ml of boiled red ginger water for 30 seconds, while the control group gargled with mineral water. Salivary pH was measured. before and after treatment using a digital pH meter. Data were analyzed using Paired t-test and Independent t-test with a significance level of 0.05. The mean salivary pH in the intervention group increased from 6.0 ± 0.2 to 7.1 ± 0.2, while the control group increased from 5.7 ± 0.5 to 6.6 ± 0.1. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference before and after treatment, with a greater increase in salivary pH observed in the intervention group (p=0.000). Gargling with boiled red ginger water significantly increased salivary pH and was more effective than gargling with mineral water. Boiled red ginger water may be considered a natural alternative for maintaining oral health

AI-Based Video Education as an Effort to Improve Parents' Knowledge in Maintaining Early Childhood Dental Health

2026-09-14T07:59:01+07:00

Oral health is an important component of overall health, particularly during early childhood. Young children are not yet fully capable of maintaining their own oral hygiene and therefore depend substantially on parental support and supervision. Parents' knowledge plays an important role in supporting appropriate oral health maintenance practices. The development of digital educational media, including artificial intelligence (AI)-based video, provides an alternative approach for delivering oral health information in an engaging and accessible manner. This study aimed to assess changes in parents' knowledge of oral health maintenance in early childhood following an AI-based video education intervention. A pre-experimental study with a one-group pre-test–post-test design was conducted among parents of students at BKB PAUD Nurilang, Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta, Indonesia, in 2026. A total of 37 participants were selected using total sampling. Participants completed a knowledge assessment before and after receiving oral health education through an AI-based video. Knowledge scores were presented using descriptive statistics and categorized as good, sufficient, or poor. Before the intervention, the mean knowledge score was 60.8. Eighteen participants (48.6%) had sufficient knowledge, 8 (21.6%) had good knowledge, and 11 (29.7%) had poor knowledge. Following the AI-based video education, the mean knowledge score increased to 94.8, and all participants (100%) were categorized as having good knowledge. The mean increase in knowledge score was 34 points. Parental oral health knowledge increased following the AI-based video education intervention. These findings suggest that AI-based video may be a promising medium for oral health education among parents of young children. Further studies using larger samples, statistical hypothesis testing, and controlled experimental designs are needed to determine its effectiveness more rigorously

The Effect of Rinsing with Young Coconut Water on Changes in Saliva pH in Elementary School Students

2026-09-14T18:14:00+07:00

Salivary pH plays an important role in maintaining oral health, particularly in regulating the oral environment and preventing dental caries. Young coconut water contains various minerals and bioactive compounds that may influence oral conditions, including salivary pH. However, evidence regarding the effect of rinsing with young coconut water on salivary pH among elementary school students remains limited. This study aimed to determine the effect of rinsing with young coconut water on changes in salivary pH among sixth-grade students at SD Negeri Kajhu, Baitussalam District, Aceh Besar Regency. A quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest non-equivalent control group design was conducted on 60 sixth-grade students, comprising 30 students in the intervention group and 30 students in the control group. The intervention group rinsed with 30 mL of young coconut water for 30 seconds, while the control group rinsed with 30 mL of mineral water for 30 seconds. Salivary pH was measured before and after the procedure using a digital pH meter. Data were analyzed using paired sample t-tests and an independent sample t-test at a significance level of ? = 0.05. The mean salivary pH in the intervention group decreased from 6.577 before rinsing to 5.940 after rinsing (p = 0.001). In the control group, the mean changed from 6.500 to 6.473 (p = 0.595). The independent sample t-test showed a significant difference in post-test salivary pH between the groups (p = 0.001). Rinsing with young coconut water significantly affected salivary pH and caused a decrease toward a more acidic condition

The Effect of Banana (Musa Paradisiaca) Consumption on Salivary pH Changes Among High school students

2026-09-14T18:16:05+07:00

Salivary pH plays an important role in maintaining oral health because changes in acidity may affect enamel integrity and dental caries risk. Banana consumption may influence salivary conditions through its nutritional composition and the mechanical stimulation produced during chewing. This study aims to analyze the effect of banana consumption on changes in salivary pH among students at SMA Negeri 3 Banda Aceh. A quasi-experimental study with a pretest-posttest control group design was conducted on 58 students selected through purposive sampling, with 29 students in the chicken banana group and 29 in the Ambon banana group. Salivary pH was measured before and after consumption using a digital pH meter. The data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, paired t-test, and independent sample t-test at a significance level of 0.05. The mean salivary pH in the chicken banana group increased from 6.5031±0.09419 to 6.9241±0.11556 (p<0.001), whereas the Ambon banana group decreased from 6.4252±0.13190 to 6.1421±0.13932 (p<0.001). The posttest comparison between groups was also significant (p<0.001). It was concluded that banana consumption affected salivary pH, and chicken banana was more effective in increasing salivary pH toward a neutral condition