The influence of dental occlusion on the body balance in unstable platform increases after high intensity exercise

Mini-review: Pathways of postural disturbances tracing to the stomatognathic system

Postural alignment is strongly shaped by inborn anatomical and nonvolitional neural factors, whereas postural stability is dynamic in nature and driven by both automatic and volitional sensorimotor processes. The sensory and motor systems responsible for these functions are tightly integrated with the central nervous system, several vital structures of which are in close proximity to the stomatognathic system. Interventions in the oral cavity have therefore been stipulated to provide sensory feedback, which may then be translated into motor function. Since the early 90 s, numerous intervention studies have provided evidence of this correlation, with traditional views advocating that causative factors are mainly indirect. Dynamic postural responses were thus predominantly considered manifestations of head displacement, with most studies identifying potential connections along active and passive muscular interactions. The consideration however, that neuromuscular adaptations of whole-body dynamics might extend beyond biomechanical responses and involve direct pathways as well, has led to a recent paradigm shift, challenging conventional perspectives. Among the suggested pathways are central projections of trigeminal afferents, providing inputs for the oculomotor system, as well as active and passive muscular interactions. Further intervention studies indicate a sensory integration of the stomatognathic system to proprioception, likely through neural networks that work in concert with visual cues and the vestibular organs. Building on this accumulating pool of evidence, a timely perspective is provided on a critical yet underexplored aspect of neurophysiology: the intricate interplay between the cranio-cervico-mandibular system and the broader framework of body posture.

Coupling Between Posture and Respiration Among the Postural Chain: Toward a Screening Tool for Respiratory-Related Balance Disorders

Alteration of posturo-respiratory coupling (PRC) may precede postural imbalance in patients with chronic respiratory disease. PRC assessment would be appropriate for early detection of respiratory-related postural dysfunction. PRC may be evaluated by respiratory emergence (REm), the proportion of postural oscillations attributed to breathing activity; assessed by motion analysis) as measured from the displacement of the center of pressure (CoP) (measured with a force platform). To propose a simplified method of PRC assessment (using motion capture only), we hypothesized that the REm can appropriately be measured derived from single body segment the postural oscillations of a single body segment rather than whole body postural oscillations. An optoelectronic system recorded the breathing pattern and the postural oscillations of six body segments in 50 healthy participants (22 women), 34 years [26; 48]. The CoP displacements were assessed using a force platform. One-minute recordings were made in standing position in four conditions by varying vision (eyes opened/closed) and jaw position (rest position/dental contact). The Sway Path and Mean Velocity of the CoP and of the representative point of each body segment were recorded. The REm was measured along the major and the minor axis of the 95% confidence ellipse of the CoP position (REm_MajorAxisCoP; REm_MinorAxisCoP) and of that of each body segment. SwayPathCoP and MVCoP varied widely across the four conditions (par< 0.000001). These changes were related to the visual condition ( [Formula: see text]) while the jaw position had no effect. The REm_MajorAxisCoP and the REm_MinorAxisCoP changed across conditions ( [Formula: see text]); this was related to vision while jaw induced changes only for the REm_MinorAxisCoP. The SwayPath, the Mean Velocity and the REm of all body segments were significantly correlated to the CoP, but the highest correlations were observed for the thorax, the pelvis and the shoulder. PRC may be assessed from the postural oscillations of thorax, pelvis and shoulder. This should simplify the evaluation of respiratory-related postural interactions in the clinical environment, by using a single device to simultaneously assess postural oscillations on body segments, and breathing pattern. In addition, this study provides reference data for PRC and its sensory-related modulations on body segments along the postural chain.

Association between oral hypofunction and general health: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Oral hypofunction comprises 7 oral function conditions, including mastication, swallowing, pronouncing, oral hygiene, and oral dryness. However, it remains unresolved whether having oral hypofunction and each individual condition adversely affect general health. This study aimed to investigate the association between oral hypofunction and general health, encompassing physical, psychological, and social dimensions.

METHODS

Oral hypofunction was diagnosed following the criteria proposed by the 2016 Japan Society of Gerodontology, comprising 7 oral function conditions. Oral hypofunction was diagnosed when at least 3 conditions presented. The selected studies eligible for reviewing were based on the PI(E)CO criteria: P (population), adult and older adults; I/E (intervention/exposure), having oral hypofunction by considering overall and individual 7 oral function conditions; C (comparator), not having oral hypofunction; O (outcome), the general health status, encompassing physical, psychological, and social dimensions. Electronic search limited to English articles was performed through PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases from January 2016 to June 2023. The included studies were assessed for quaility and risk of bias using the modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Qualitative analyses were performed on the general outcome, and having oral hypofunction considering overall and individual oral function conditions.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included in the final syntheses. One was a prospective cohort, one was a case-control, and the others were cross-sectional studies. All included studies were high quality. General health outcomes were mostly frailty, sarcopenia, and malnutrition, whereas mild cognitive impairment,social withdrawal, and gastric cancer prognosis were identified in one of the included studies. The association between general health and having oral hypofunction was stronger than when considering an individual condition. The health outcomes were predominantly associated with mastication and swallowing, whereas their relationships with oral hygiene and dryness were less likely to be reported.

CONCLUSIONS

The present review found an association between the presence of oral hypofunction and impaired general health. However, the specific impact on individual physical, psychological, and social dimensions cannot be distinctly delineated. Further prospective studies are required to clarify the causal-effect relationship between oral and general health.

Methods of postural analysis in connection with the stomatognathic system. A systematic review

This systematic review aimed to identify the main tools used to analyze the relationship between the postural and stomatognathic systems. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines, and data were collected from Science Direct and PubMed databases to identify articles published until December 2022. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 26 articles were selected from the initial 903 articles. The selected articles were full-text studies in English or Romanian, examining the relationship between dental occlusion and posture, measuring postural parameters using various tools, implementing occlusal changes, evaluating patients with permanent dentition, or analyzing the connection between occlusion and posture in a unidirectional manner. The findings indicate that orthognathic surgery and orthodontic mouthguards can significantly enhance postural balance and athletic performance. In addition, 63% of the studies concluded that varying modifications and occlusal conditions impact posture. Notable differences exist concerning posture and Angle dental occlusion classes, and different occlusal devices used to simulate malocclusion can affect patients' postural systems in response to external stimuli. The stabilometry platform is the predominant method for measuring postural parameters; however, other researchers have employed raster stereography, photogrammetry, mobile phone apps, and the Fukuda-Unterberger test. Consequently, interventions targeting the stomatognathic system should consider potential variations in the postural system.

Experimental Analysis of the Use of Cranial Electromyography in Athletes and Clinical Implications

Background: Cranial surface electromyography is assumed to analyze the correlation between the stomatognathic apparatus and the muscular system and its implications on the physical status of professional athletes. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate surface cranial electromyography as an aid in the diagnosis and treatment of occlusal and muscular disorders in professional athletes. Methods: A sample of 25 athletes (mean age 23 years, 20 men and 5 women) underwent electromyographic recording; among them, 13 had a sports injury condition (symptomatic athletes), while 12 were in perfect physical condition (asymptomatic athletes). At odontostomatological examination, 6 showed cranio-mandibular disorders (dysfunctional athletes), while 19 showed no disorders (functional athletes). The treatment plan to resolve the symptoms of the dysfunctional athletes was chosen based on the electromyographic data. One month after the start of therapy with an occlusal splint, a follow-up was performed, and the results were compared with the initial data. Results: Statistical analysis showed that the chosen therapy following the use of electromyography was effective in 72% of cases, while 28% of patients did not respond to therapy (p = 0.028). Conclusions: The use of cranial electromyography in competitive athletes is a valuable tool in therapeutic choice aimed at balancing occlusal loads and improving the patient’s global tonic postural attitude, resulting in positive feedback in the qualitative assessment of sports performance.

Development of a Wearable Mouth Guard Device for Monitoring Teeth Clenching during Exercise

Teeth clenching during exercise is important for sports performance and health. Recently, several mouth guard (MG)-type wearable devices for exercise were studied because they do not disrupt the exercise. In this study, we developed a wearable MG device with force sensors on both sides of the maxillary first molars to monitor teeth clenching. The force sensor output increased linearly up to 70 N. In four simple occlusion tests, the trends exhibited by the outputs of the MG sensor were consistent with those of an electromyogram (EMG), and the MG device featured sufficient temporal resolution to measure the timing of teeth clenching. When the jaw moved, the MG sensor outputs depended on the sensor position. The MG sensor output from the teeth-grinding test agreed with the video-motion analysis results. It was comparatively difficult to use the EMG because it contained a significant noise level. Finally, the usefulness of the MG sensor was confirmed through an exercise tolerance test. This study indicated that the developed wearable MG device is useful for monitoring clenching timing and duration, and the degree of clenching during exercise, which can contribute to explaining the relationship between teeth clenching and sports performance.

Influence of Dental Malocclusion on Body Posture and Foot Posture in Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

The number of studies that investigate the correlations between the temporomandibular system and body posture, postural control, or the distribution of plantar pressure has recently been increasing. However, most of the existing information is not conclusive. Therefore, the study objective was to evaluate if the features of dental malocclusion are correlated with body posture alterations at the lower limb level. This is a multicentre cross-sectional study with 289 children (8-14 years). Angle's molar relation was analysed at the dental level. The postural control and the plantar pressure distribution were recorded via a force platform. Correlation and inferential analysis between the Angle class and the foot's biomechanics were tested. The centre of gravity is anteriorised in Angle's Class II in both the molar class (p ≤ 0.001) and the canine class (p ≤ 0.001). Likewise, a relationship was observed between the contact surface and Angle's classes, being higher in class III than in II (p ≤ 0.001). The plantigrade phase is shortened in Angle's Class III. A relationship was found between Angle's Class II and a forward movement of the centre of gravity. No relationship was found between the Foot Posture Index and the truncated scaphoid height and the dental classification. An evident relationship between the gait typology and dental malocclusion was not found.

[Effects of knee pain on postural control excluding the musculature of the craniomandibular system]

BACKGROUND

Knee pain can influence postural control in addition to changes in the anatomical structure of the knee joints.

OBJECTIVE

Because the influence of imbalances in the craniomandibular system has been proven multiple times, it is the aim of the present work to investigate the influence of various knee diagnoses on postural control excluding occlusal information by means of symmetrical packing using cotton rolls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and fifteen patients (74 male/41 female) aged 18-75 years with an average BMI of 25.13 ± 3.66 kg/m² took part in the study, among them 34 patients (26 male/8 female) with cruciate ligament injury, 26 (16 male/10 female) with meniscal lesions, 24 (13 male/11 female) with arthrosis, 21 (11 male/10 female) with patellar pain, and 10 (8 male/2 female) with other painful knee complaints. Postural control was increased using a force platform, the degree of severity of the disorder was recorded using the "Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome" questionnaire, and the occlusion packed on both sides with cotton rolls in the premolar area.

RESULTS

With increasing age, patients with knee arthrosis are more likely to stand on the hindfoot. In those with patellar disorder, increased weight-bearing on the forefoot correlates with increasing BMI. An increase in weight-bearing on the forefoot on the side of the uninjured knee in people with patellar disorder results not only in a reduction in quality of life but also level of daily activity.

DISCUSSION

The percentage weight-bearing on the zones of the feet differs in unilateral knee injuries (in particular, comparison of the side with the knee injury and the uninjured side). Age, BMI or gender are influencing factors. Because various correlations and/or effects in the subgroups of knee injuries are generated, an injury-specific analysis should be carried out. These effects are also identifiable in the subjective assessment of quality of life.

Dental occlusion and sport performance

INTRODUCTION

In recent years, interest has been given to the relationship between dental occlusion and athletes' performance. A correct occlusion allows for a correct position of the mandible in space and could be reached by wearing a splint made by a dentist. Achieving this condition appears to be an advantage for all athletes, and especially for those who have TMJ dysfunction. The purpose of the study was to investigate the hypothesis and common belief that correcting the occlusion or the use of a splint could improve an athlete's performance.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

A search on electronic database has been performed and obtained 141 results; then, following the application of the inclusion criteria, only 11 articles were selected.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

A good occlusion seems to be an advantage for the athletes.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of an occlusal splint should be evaluated in different sports, because the occlusion and TMJ conditions of the athletes are different and the efforts in which they are subjected could not be generalized because the sports have various rules and characteristics that involves the stomatognathic system differently.

Do different dental conditions influence the static plantar pressure and stabilometry in young adults?

Background

Posture is influenced by many factors and dental occlusion seems to have its role on postural stabilization. Our rationale to perform the study was to find out if there are differences of static plantar pressure and stabilometric parameters depending on different dental conditions.

Methods

The observational study consisted in plantar pressure assessment and stabilometric analysis of 95 right-handed healthy volunteer subjects (mean age 22.94 ± 2.52 years) by using the PoData system. Each subject followed four measurements with open eyes: mandibular postural position, maximum intercuspation, biting on cotton rolls and maximum mouth opening. Plantar pressure was recorded on 1^st and 5^th metatarsal heads and heel, and was expressed as percentage of weight distribution on each foot. The recorded centre of pressure (CoP) parameters were: CoP path length, 90%confidence ellipse area and maximum CoP speed. Statistical analysis used repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni posthoc analysis and Friedman test.

Results

Loading on the left 5^th metatarsal head was significantly higher in maximum mouth opening condition when compared to maximum intercuspation and to biting on cotton rolls. The left heel loading was significantly lower in the maximum mouth opening in comparison to maximum intercuspation. The CoP path length and maximum CoP speed were significantly higher in maximum mouth opening compared to the other three conditions. Confidence ellipse area had significantly lower values in maximum intercuspation and in the biting on cotton rolls conditions compared to the mandibular postural position, and in maximum intercuspation compared to maximum mouth opening.

Conclusion

In young adults with an optimum functional occlusion the static plantar pressure is influenced by the maximum mouth opening. An improved postural stability was recorded in maximum intercuspation (a condition used during swallowing) in comparison to mandibular postural position (a condition that allows relaxation of the masticatory muscles after functional moments).

Cervical Spine Hyperextension and Altered Posturo-Respiratory Coupling in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with postural dysfunction characterized by abnormal spinal curvature and disturbance of balance and walking, whose pathophysiology is poorly understood. We hypothesized that it may be the result of a pathological interaction between postural and ventilatory functions. Twelve patients with OSAS (4 women, age 53 years [51–63] (median [quartiles]), apnea hypopnea index 31/h [24–41]) were compared with 12 healthy matched controls. Low dose biplanar X-rays (EOS® system) were acquired and personalized three-dimensional models of the spine and pelvis were reconstructed. We also estimated posturo-respiratory coupling by measurement of respiratory emergence, obtaining synchronized center of pressure data from a stabilometric platform and ventilation data recorded by an optico-electronic system of movement analysis. Compared with controls, OSAS patients, had cervical hyperextension with anterior projection of the head (angle OD-C7 12° [8; 14] vs. 5° [4; 8]; p = 0.002), and thoracic hyperkyphosis (angle T1–T12 65° [51; 71] vs. 49° [42; 59]; p = 0.039). Along the mediolateral axis: (1) center of pressure displacement was greater in OSAS patients, whose balance was poorer (19.2 mm [14.2; 31.5] vs. 8.5 [1.4; 17.8]; p = 0.008); (2) respiratory emergence was greater in OSAS patients, who showed increased postural disturbance of respiratory origin (19.2% [9.9; 24.0] vs. 8.1% [6.4; 10.4]; p = 0.028). These results are evidence for the centrally-mediated and primarily respiratory origin of the postural dysfunction in OSAS. It is characterized by an hyperextension of the cervical spine with a compensatory hyperkyphosis, and an alteration in posturo-respiratory coupling, apparently secondary to upper airway instability.

The Influence of Dental Occlusion on Dynamic Balance and Muscular Tone

Excellent postural control is essential to improve the physical performance of athletes. Stability of the body during motor tasks depends on different physiological systems. The influence of dental occlusion on body balance has been widely investigated in the past few years. It has been suggested that this relationship is strengthened by disturbing environments for balance control (i.e., unstable platform, fatigue, development tasks.). Moreover, dental occlusion may influence the muscle tone of both masticatory and postural muscles, which are involved in the preservation of balance. Therefore, we attempted to determine whether (i) there are differences in dynamic balance assessed by the modified star excursion balance test between opposed dental occlusion conditions (dental contact: intercuspal position/no dental contact: cotton rolls mandibular position) and (ii) dental occlusion influences the biomechanical and viscoelastic properties of the masticatory and postural muscles assessed with MyotonPRO^®. Thirty physically active subjects were recruited for the study. The main findings were the following: (i) the Star Excursion Balance Test composite score was significantly higher for measurements made in cotton rolls mandibular position (p < 0.001) and also in subjects showing a correct occlusion (p = 0.04), and (ii) the biomechanic and viscolelastic properties of selected muscles showed different trend according to the presence of malocclusal traits. It is concluded that dental occlusion conditioned both dynamic stability and the biomechanic and viscoelastic properties of the analyzed muscles.

A kinematic analysis on the immediate effects of occlusal splints in gait and running body sway patterns

Objective: This study aims to determine whether changes in dental occlusion are correlated to body posture during walking and running.Methods: Fifteen healthy subjects were assessed by a prosthodontist and deemed asymptomatic. Analyses of gait and running were performed in three conditions, in random order: a) occlusal splint; b) placebo splint; and c) no splint. The occlusal splint used in this study positioned the mandible in a stable position. Kinematic data was collected using a 3D motion capture system.Results: Changes in dental occlusion induced by occlusal splints did not influence body sway during gait or running. No significant differences were found between any of the test conditions.Conclusion: Occlusal splints have no effect on body sway during gait or running. High inter-subject variability in kinematic parameters was found, which should be considered in future studies.

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.

Prediction of Ergogenic Mouthguard Effects in Volleyball: A Pilot Trial

Dental occlusion may affect static and dynamic balance. The effects of a mouthguard on pinpoint accuracy in volleyball were investigated in 28 players who completed a volleyball specific test. Also, masticatory electromyographic tests were performed. The mean pinpoint accuracy was significantly higher with a mouthguard (68.6±9.3 vs. 64.0±7.0 points from 100; p< 0.006). However, differential mouthguard effects were seen, and three subgroups were classified: Group 1 (markedly improved pinpoint accuracy), Group 2 (improved pinpoint accuracy), and Group 3 (reduced pinpoint accuracy). Group 1 had a high masseter resting tone, the masseter activity was low in MVC (maximum voluntary clench) and increased in BOC (maximum bite on cotton rolls; p< 0.04). This indicates a masseter weakness, which would be compensated by a mouthguard. In Group 2, the masseter activity in MVC was high-normal with an imbalance which was improved in BOC (p< 0.01), indicating a possible mouthguard benefit. In Group 3, MVC and BOC were in a high-normal range and showed no relevant deficits. In these subjects the mouthguard had adverse effects. Overall, subjects with masticatory deficits had a benefit from the mouthguard in pinpoint accuracy. Positive or negative mouthguard responders may be detectible from electromyographic tests.

Occlusal support is associated with nutritional improvement and recovery of physical function in patients recovering from hip fracture

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to elucidate the association between occlusal support and nutritional improvement and recovery of activities of daily living (ADLs) among elderly patients recovering from hip fracture.

BACKGROUND

Many patients with hip fracture are malnourished, and malnutrition is associated with poor functional outcomes. Poor oral status is one reason for malnutrition because loss of occlusal support leads to masticatory disorders and can cause nutrient deficiencies.

METHODS

We evaluated 202 elderly patients aged 65 years and older (mean age, 84.9 ± 7.9 years). We assessed nutritional status using the Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form and ADLs using functional independence measure (FIM) scores. Occlusal support was recorded in accordance with the Eichner Index. We categorised participants into two groups according to the presence or absence of occlusal support, and statistical analyses were performed to investigate the differences between the groups.

RESULTS

One group contained 152 participants (mean age, 85.5 ± 7.4 years) with occlusal support, and the other group contained 50 participants (mean age, 83.0 ± 8.9 years) without occlusal support. The group with occlusal support had greater gain of FIM and higher FIM efficiency than did the other group. Multivariate analyses showed that occlusal support was independently associated with nutritional improvement [odds ratio (OR) = 4.00, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.90-8.43] and motor FIM efficiency (R²  = .338, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that occlusal support is associated with nutritional improvement and the recovery of ADLs in patients recovering from hip fracture.

The impact of a total knee arthroplasty on jaw movements, upper body posture, plantar pressure distribution, and postural control

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on linked cranial and caudal structures. Methods: Thirty-five (14f/21m) subjects participated in this study: 15 subjects (9f, 6m) pre- and post- TKA and a control group of 20 subjects (5f, 15m). The measurements included: jaw condyle position and movement, back scan, plantar pressure distribution, and body sway. Results: There were no significant differences in electronic position analysis of the jaw; however, the protrusion of the TKA group improved (p = 0.001). The test group had a more anteriorly inclined thoracic spine and a less pronounced lumbar lordosis. Before and after surgery, the body sway in the test group was larger. Conclusion: The TKA affected most prominently the static mechanisms of the postural control and the spine position. The trajectories of the mandible during protrusion also changed slightly.

Impact of orthognathic surgery on the body posture

BACKGROUND

Postural control is classically described as being based on the visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive musculo-articular sensory systems. The influence of mandibular proprioception on postural stabilization remains controversial. Most previous studies analyzed how postural stability is influenced by partial changes in mandibular proprioception (dental occlusion and jaw position).

RESEARCH QUESTION

In the present experiment, we asked whether drastic mandibular changes, resulting from orthognathic surgery (including dental, joint and muscular efferents), modify postural control.

METHODS

The analyzes were performed in 22 patients tested before, and 2.5 months, after orthognathic surgery for treatment of dysmorphic jaws. Experiments were performed under 4 experimental conditions: 2 visual conditions: Eyes Open (EO) and Eyes Closed (EC), and 2 occlusal conditions: Occlusion (OC: mandible positioned by the contact of the teeth), and Rest Position (RP: mandible positioned by the muscles without tooth contact). The analyses focused on head orientation in the frontal plane and on postural stabilization in a static task, consisting of standing upright.

RESULTS

The results show that, 2.5 months after orthognathic surgery, head orientation in the frontal plane was improved, since patient's external intercanthal lines became closer to the true horizontal line when they were tested EC and in OC condition. Postural responses, based on the wavelet transformation data, highlight an improvement in maintaining an upright stance for all the tested sensory conditions. However, such improvement was greater in the EC and RP conditions.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results show, for the first time, that after drastic mandibular changes, the weight of proprioceptive cues linked to the mandibular system may be so enhanced that it may constitute a new reference frame to orient the head in space, in darkness, and improve static postural stabilization, even in the presence of visual cues.

Effects of Dental Occlusion on Body Sway, Upper Body Muscle Activity and Shooting Performance in Pistol Shooters

Occlusal splints, to some extent, have been related to reduced body sway in a static position and increased muscle activity in the upper limbs. However, how dental occlusion status affects sports performance remains unclear. Here, we investigated whether occlusal splints that reposition the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) influenced body posture, muscle activity, and performance in 10-meter pistol shooters. Thirteen national-level male shooters (age = 38.8 ± 10.9 yrs) were recruited for this study, and cleared of any cervical pathology. An occlusal splint (OS) and a placebo splint (PS) were fabricated for each of the subjects, with the mandibular and maxillary position verified by an expert dentist, with the aid of an adjustable articulator. Surface electromyography (EMG) was assessed in the upper limb that holds the pistol while the subjects were standing on a force platform. Subjects performed two series of 10 shots for each of the three experimental conditions (OS, PS, N (no splint)) in randomized order, with the mandible in a rest position. Results revealed similar centre of pressure (COP) parameters in all conditions, despite a reduction in the average oscillation area caused by the OS. There were also no significant differences in EMG activity between conditions in the five upper limb muscles monitored. Consistent with this, shooting performance was similar in all conditions, despite a reduction in shot dispersion in subjects using OS. Thus, changes in dental occlusion status induced by OS do not affect body posture, upper limb EMG muscle activity, or shot performance in healthy male pistol shooters.