Können experimentell herbeigeführte Veränderungen der Okklusion das menschliche Gleichgewicht beeinflussen?

Association between constitution, axiography, analysis of dental casts, and postural control in women aged between 41 and 50 years

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between anamnestic, axiographic and occlusal parameters and postural control in healthy women aged between 41 and 50 years.

Materials and methods

A total of 100 female participants aged between 41 and 50 (45.12 ± 2.96) years participated in the study. In addition to completing a general anamnesis questionnaire, lower jaw movements were measured axiographically, dental occlusion parameters were determined using a model analysis and postural parameters were recorded using a pressure measurement platform. The significance level was 5%.

Results

An increasing weight and a rising BMI lead to a weight shifted from the rearfoot (p ≤ 0.01/0.04) to the forefoot (p ≤ 0.01/0.02). A limited laterotrusion on the right resulted in a lower forefoot load and an increased rearfoot load (p ≤ 0.01). Laterotrusion to the left (extended above the standard) showed a lower frontal sway (p ≤ 0.02) and a reduced elliptical area, height and width (p ≤ 0.01, 0.02, 0.03). Thus, the extent of deviation correlated with reduced right forefoot loading (p ≤ 0.03) and the extent of deflection correlated with increased left foot loading (p ≤ 0.01). The higher the extent of angle class II malocclusion, the larger the ellipse area (p ≤ 0.04) and the ellipse height (p ≤ 0.02) resulted.

Conclusions

There is a connection between weight, BMI and laterotrusion, as well as between angle class II malocclusion and postural control in women aged between 41 and 50 years. Interdisciplinary functional examinations of mandibular movements treating possible limitations can be conducive for an improvement of postural control.

Clinical relevance

Angle class II malocclusion has a negative influence on postural control.

Association between constitution, medical history, axiography and postural control in women aged between 21 to 30 years

The aim of this study was to determine association between constitutional, medical history and axiographic parameters with postural control parameters. Overall, 106 healthy female subjects aged between 21 and 30 years were measured. Data collection was carried out by completing a questionnaire on constitutional parameters, illnesses, accidents and medical/orthodontic therapies, as well as by axio- and posturographic measurements. Data were analyzed using correlations, pair comparisons and group comparisons. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05. The statistical evaluation showed significant correlations between sporting exercise and body sway in the sagittal direction (p ≤ 0.03), the BMI and the load on the forefoot/rear foot (p ≤ 0.01), the mouth opening and the load on the forefoot/rearfoot (p ≤ 0.01) and the presence of a deviation with the load on the left/right foot (p ≤ 0.01). The physical condition as well as the temporo-mandibular system are associated with the postural control in young women. Therefore, a holistic diagnosis and therapy will be supported by the present outcomes.

Standard reference values of the postural control in healthy young female adults in Germany: an observational study

OBJECTIVE

Many people of all ages suffer from vertigo due to different reasons. The comparison of patient data with standard values can highlight deteriorations or changes in postural control and thus indicate, for example, an increased risk of falling. Our aim is to measure standard values for the postural control of young healthy women.

DESIGN

Observational study.

SETTING

Institute of Occupational Medicine, Social Medicine and Environmental Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt/Main.

PARTICIPANTS

106 healthy German female subjects aged between 21 and 30 years (25±2.7 years) were measured. Their average body mass index (BMI) was 21.1±2.61 kg/m².

OUTCOME MEASURES

A pressure measuring platform was used to measure the weight distribution and postural sway in habitual standing. Median, tolerance range and CI were calculated.

RESULTS

Height, weight and BMI are comparable to the average young German female population. The load distribution between right and left foot was 49.91%:50.09%. The forefoot was less loaded than the rear foot (33.3%:66.67%). The right rear foot carried most of the body weight (34.34%). The average body sway was 9.50 mm in the frontal and 13.00 mm in the sagittal plane.

CONCLUSIONS

Standard values for the postural control of the women aged 21-30 years correlate with the already collected data of healthy subjects and can therefore be described as representative. The standard values enable diagnosing and treating impaired balance.

The effects of a temporarily manipulated dental occlusion on the position of the spine: a comparison during standing and walking

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

The relationship between dental occlusion and body posture or even the spine position is often analyzed and confirmed. However, this relationship has not been systematically investigated for standing and walking.

PURPOSE

To examine whether a symmetric or asymmetric dental occlusion block, using 4 mm thick silicon panels, can significantly change the spine position (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar region) during standing and walking.

STUDY DESIGN

The following study is a cross-sectional study.

PATIENT SAMPLE

This study was carried out with 23 healthy subjects (18 women, 5 men) without discomfort in the temporomandibular system or body movement apparatus.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Position changes (millimeter) of the spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar) in frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes of motion.

METHODS

The upper spine position was quantified with an ultrasonic distance measurement system (sonoSens Monitor). Every subject placed the 4 mm thick silicon panel systematically between the left/right premolars or the front teeth. Differences between the habitual and manipulated occlusion positions were determined by the Friedman test, followed by pairwise comparisons with applied Bonferroni-Holm correction.

RESULTS

During standing and walking there were significant (p≤.05) differences between the occlusion block conditions and the habitual dental position in all body planes except in the right lumbar region during walking. In addition, differences within the manipulated occlusion position could be detected. Significant differences were also shown between the standing and walking trials in the frontal, sagittal, and transverse planes, particularly with respect to the lumbar region (p≤.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Symmetrical and asymmetrical occlusion blocks in the premolar region can be associated with changes in all three spine regions during standing and walking. The results showed highly similar reaction patterns in all spine positions, regardless of the location of the silicon panel. Between standing and walking, the main differences were in the lumbar spine. The results suggest a relationship between the chewing and the movement system. However, it must be stated that this study has no direct clinical impact. The study design cannot determine the causality of the observed associations; also the clinical significance of the small postural changes remains unknown.