Sternocleidomastoid muscle inhibition induced by trigeminal stimulation

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.

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.

Relationship between masticatory ability and physical performance in community-dwelling edentulous older adults wearing complete dentures

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to elucidate the association between masticatory ability and physical performance in community-dwelling edentulous older adults wearing complete dentures.

BACKGROUND

Physical performance parameters are significant predictors of decreased activities of daily living. Previous studies have shown the relationships between oral conditions and these parameters. Here, we focused on complete denture wearers.

METHODS

Two hundred and ten edentulous adults aged ≥65 years and wearing complete dentures were enrolled. The following oral conditions were examined: masticatory ability measured by colour-changing chewing gum, number of foods considered chewable, pain when using dentures and denture base fit. Handgrip strength (HG) and one-leg standing time with eyes open (OLST) were used to evaluate muscle strength and static balance. Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were calculated to examine the correlations between oral conditions and physical performance. Forward stepwise linear regression models were applied with each physical performance parameters as the dependent variable and oral conditions as the independent variable.

RESULTS

The women did not show significant correlations between oral conditions and the physical performance. In men, significant and positive correlations were found between the number of chewable foods and HG, and between the colour scores and OLST. The significant correlation between the colour scores and OLST was still noted in the stepwise liner regression analysis after adjusting for demographic, social and medical conditions, and other oral conditions.

CONCLUSION

In Japanese elderly edentulous men wearing complete dentures, masticatory ability evaluated as the mixing ability may be associated with static balance.

Splenius muscle activities induced by temporomandibular joint stimulation in rats

Recent studies show that temporomandibular joint disorders cause hyperalgesia and deficits in the postural control of cervical region. However, the effects of specific modalities of receptors in the temporomandibular joint area on these phenomena are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the neck muscle activities while natural mechanical stimulation was applied to the temporomandibular joint. Single motor unit activities were recorded bilaterally from the splenius muscles in 22 Wistar rats. Mechanical stimulation applied to the left temporomandibular joint elicited tonic discharges in the left or right splenius muscle. The mean threshold values for mechanical stimulation were 48.1 (+/-16.2 S.E.M.) and 54.1 mN (+/-16.3 S.E.M.) for left and right sides, respectively. It is suggested that the temporomandibular joint mechanoreceptors not only affect the motor unit activities of neck muscles, but also are concerned in the regulation of postural control of the head.

The influence of occlusion on jaw and neck muscle activity: a surface EMG study in healthy young adults

The electromyographic (EMG) characteristics of masseter, temporalis and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles during maximum voluntary teeth clench were assessed in 27 male and 35 female healthy young adults. Subjects were divided into two groups: (i) 'complete' Angle Class I (bilateral, symmetric canine and molar Class I relationships), and (ii) 'partial' Angle Class I (one to three canine/molar Class I relationships, the remaining relationships were Class II or Class III). On average, standardized muscular symmetry ranged 80.7-87.9%. During maximum voluntary teeth clench, average co-contraction of SCM muscle was 13.7-23.5% of its maximum contraction. On average, all torque coefficients (potential lateral displacing component) were >90%, while all antero-posterior coefficients (relative activities of masseter and temporalis muscles) were >85%. The average integrated areas of the masseter and temporalis EMG potentials over time ranged 87.4-106.8 muV/muV s%. Standardized contractile muscular activities did not differ between 'complete' and 'partial' Angle Class I, and between sexes (two-way analysis of variance). A trend toward a larger intragroup variability in EMG indices was observed in the subjects with 'partial' Angle Class I than in those with 'complete' Angle Class I (significant difference for the temporalis muscle symmetry, P = 0.013, analysis of variance). In conclusion, the presence of a complete or partial Angle occlusal Class I did not seem to influence the standardized contractile activities of masseter, temporalis and SCM muscles during a maximum voluntary clench. Subjects with a 'complete' Angle Class I were somewhat a more homogenous group than subjects with 'partial' Angle Class I.

Occlusion, sternocleidomastoid muscle activity, and body sway: a pilot study in male astronauts

The modifications induced by microgravity on the coordinated patterns of movement of the head, trunk, and limbs are reported on extensively. However, apparently there is little data on the masticatory muscles. In normal gravitational conditions, information from the neck and stomatognathic apparatus play a role in maintaining the body's balance and equilibrium. The current pilot study used normal gravity conditions to investigate the hypothesis of a functional coupling between occlusion and neck muscles and body postural oscillations. The immediate effect of modified occlusal surfaces on the contraction pattern of the sternocleidomastoid muscles during maximum voluntary clenching and on the oscillation of the center of foot pressure was analyzed in 11 male astronauts (aged 31-54 yrs). All subjects were healthy and free from pathologies of the neck and stomatognathic apparatus. Occlusal splints were prepared using impressions of their dental arches. The splints were modeled on the mandibular arch, had only posterior contacts, and were modified to obtain a more symmetric, standardized contraction of the masseter and temporalis muscles during teeth clenching. Surface EMG activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscles was recorded during a maximal voluntary clench with and without the splint. Sternocleidomastoid potentials were standardized as percent of the mean potentials recorded during a maximum contralateral rotation of the head, and the symmetry of the EMG waves of left- and right-side muscles was measured. Body sway was assessed with and without the splint, either with eyes open or closed. The variations of the center of foot pressure were analyzed through bivariate analysis, and the area of the 90% standard ellipse was computed. Within each visual condition (eyes open or closed), the difference between the areas of oscillation measured with and without the splint was computed. Muscular activity was more symmetric with the splint. The area of oscillation of the center of foot pressure was larger without the splint than with the splint, both with eyes open and eyes closed. The modifications, induced by the occlusal splint in the sternocleidomastoid muscles' symmetry, and center of foot pressure differential area with closed eyes, were significantly related (p < 0.05): the larger the increment in muscular symmetry, the smaller the area of oscillation with the splint as compared to without the splint. A functionally more symmetric maxillo-mandibular position resulted in a more symmetric sternocleidomastoid muscle contraction pattern and less body sway. Modifications in the contraction of the masticatory muscles may therefore affect the whole body.

Glutamate evoked neck and jaw muscle pain facilitate the human jaw stretch reflex

OBJECTIVE

Although pain and neuromuscular function are clearly linked in several clinical conditions manifested in the craniofacial and cervical regions, it is unclear if pain in these regions influences reflexly evoked activity in the jaw or neck muscles in humans. The aim of the present study was to test the effects of glutamate-evoked jaw or neck muscle pain on the jaw stretch reflex recorded in both jaw and neck muscles.

METHODS

Nineteen healthy men participated in the study. Electromyographic (EMG) recordings were made from the left masseter (MAL) and right masseter (MAR) muscles and the right sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and splenius (SP) muscles. Glutamate (1 M) or isotonic saline was injected into the MAR or right SP in random order and then the other solution was injected 1-3 weeks later. Pain intensity was scored on a 10 cm visual analogue scale. Stretch reflexes were evoked by standardized jaw stretches before, during and 15 min after the end of the experimental muscle pain. Twenty trials were averaged in each condition.

RESULTS

Pain evoked by MAR or SP glutamate injections was associated with a significant increase in the stretch reflex amplitude recorded in both MAR and SCM. The onset and offset times and duration of the stretch reflex did not change in any muscle during the various pain conditions. Injection of isotonic saline into the MAR or SP did not produce any significant change in the reflex parameters in any of the muscles.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate the close interplay between the craniofacial and cervical regions in the neuromuscular changes that may result from musculoskeletal pain in either region.

SIGNIFICANCE

The changes in neuromuscular activity documented in this study may be involved in the clinical occurrence of altered muscle activity in the orofacial and cervical regions as a result of deep tissue trauma and pain.

The functional relationship between the craniomandibular system, cervical spine, and the sacroiliac joint: a preliminary investigation

The hypothesis of a functional coupling between the muscles of the craniomandibular system and the muscles of other body areas is still controversial. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether there is a relationship between the craniomandibular system, the craniocervical system and the sacropelvic region. To test this hypothesis, the prevalence and localization of dysfunction of the cervical spine and the sacroiliac joint were examined in a prospective, experimental trial. Twenty healthy students underwent an artificial occlusal interference, which caused an occlusal interference. The upper cervical spine (CO-C3) and the sacroiliac joint were examined before, during and after this experimental test. The primary outcome with these experimental conditions was the occurrence of hypomobile functional abnormalities. In the presence of occlusal interference, functional abnormalities were detected in both regions examined and these changes were statistically significant. The clinical implications of these findings may be that a complementary examination of these areas in CMD patients could be useful.

Evidence of an influence of asymmetrical occlusal interferences on the activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle

To investigate the hypothesis of a functional coupling between occlusion and neck muscles, the immediate effect of asymmetrical occlusal interferences on the pattern of contraction of the sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCM) during maximum voluntary clench (MVC) was analysed in 30 healthy subjects. All subjects had a complete and sound permanent dentition, without temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and craniocervical disorders. A 5-s surface electromyogram (EMG) examination of the SCM was performed during (1) MVC in intercuspal position and (2) MVC with a single 200-microm occlusal interference alternatively positioned on teeth 16, 13, 23, 26. All subjects had a symmetrical EMG activity during MVC in intercuspal position. For each subject, SCM potentials were standardized as percentage of the mean potentials recorded during the MVC on natural dentition and the EMG waves of left- and right-side muscles were compared by computing the relevant percentage overlapping coefficient (POC). For each subject, the best and the worst POCs computed during the four MVC tests with occlusal interferences were found and the percentage difference between them was calculated. In the four MVC tests with occlusal interferences, SCM symmetry was very different from that recorded during MVC on natural dentition. The difference between the best and worst POCs computed within each subject was very variable, ranging from 1.52 to 41.57%. In conclusion, when young healthy subjects with a normal occlusion clench on an asymmetrical occlusal interference, they have an altered left-right side pattern of contraction of their SCM. In almost all subjects, a previously symmetrical pattern became asymmetrical.

Unilateral trigeminal anaesthesia modifies postural control in human subjects

The influence of trigeminal afferences on postural stabilization was tested. Twenty-seven subjects were recruited to evaluate the impact of trigeminal disturbance on orthostatic postural control before and after unilateral truncular anaesthesia of the mandibular nerve. Balance control quality was assessed using static posturography by means of statokinesigrams and lateral deviation. Postural control monitored by measuring the area covered by the centre of foot pressure decreases after anaesthesia in the eyes open condition. Postural deviation in the eyes closed condition was observed after anaesthesia in the controlateral side of anaesthesia. These data document the effects of trigeminal afferences on postural stabilization.

Prevalência dos sintomas otológicos na desordem temperomandibular: estudo de 126 casos

Introdução: A presença de sintomas otológicos associados à desordem temporomandibular (DTM) é discutida há seis décadas; entretanto, sua etiologia ainda permanece obscura. Forma de estudo: Prospectivo clínico randomizado. Objetivo: Neste estudo foram avaliadas a prevalência de sintomas otológicos na DTM, sua correlação com a dor muscular e a ausência de dentes posteriores. Material e Método: Foram avaliados 126 pacientes portadores de DTM, através de questionário subjetivo dos sintomas, palpação dos músculos de mastigação, temporal, masséter, pterigóideo lateral, pterigóideo medial, digástrico, tendão do músculo temporal e dos músculos esternocleidomastóideo e trapézio. Foram feitas radiografias panorâmica e transcraniana e modelos de gesso das arcadas superior e inferior dos pacientes. Os dados obtidos foram analisados através do Teste Exato de Fisher, com percentil de significância menor que 0,05. Resultados: Houve presença de sintomas otológicos em 80% dos pacientes, sendo que 50% apresentavam dor referida em ouvido; 52%, plenitude auricular; 50%, tinitus; 34%, tontura; 9%, sensação de vertigem; e 10% relataram hipoacusia. O músculo pterigóideo lateral foi o músculo mais sensível em 94% dos pacientes, seguido do músculo temporal em 69%, masséter em 62%, digástrico em 60%, pterigóideo medial em 50%, tendão do músculo temporal e esternocleidomastóideo em 49% e trapézio em 42% dos pacientes. Houve significância para dor muscular, e a presença de sintomas otológicos, nos músculos masséter e esternocleidomastóideo. Os sintomas tinitus, plenitude auricular e dor referida em ouvido apresentaram alta correlação de significância entre si. Não houve significância para a ausência de dentição e sintomas otológicos. Conclusão: 1) Dor referida em ouvido, tínitus, plenitude auricular e tontura foram prevalentes; 2) os sintomas otológicos presentes na DTM podem estar relacionados com a dor muscular em masséter e esternocleidomastóideo; 3) não houve correlação entre os sintomas otológicos e a ausência de dentes posteriores.

Trigeminocervical reflexes elicited by stimulation of the infraorbital nerve: head retraction reflex

In the current study, the effects of stimulation of the infraorbital nerve (ION) on the trigeminocervical reflexes (TCRs), recorded from the posterior neck muscles, was investigated and the results were compared with the results recorded by stimulation of the supraorbital nerve (SON). TCRs obtained by stimulation of the ION was evaluated as the electrophysiologic counterpart of the head retraction reflex. Twenty normal control subjects, 10 men and 10 women, were enrolled in the study. The SON and the ION were stimulated by using a bipolar surface electrode. Results were recorded by using either concentric needle electrodes inserted into the semispinalis capitis muscle at the level of the third or fourth cervical vertebra or by surface electrodes placed at the C3 and C7 vertebrae on the midline. It was found that stimulation of the supraorbital and infraorbital branches of the trigeminal nerve had different reflexive effects on the posterior neck muscles. A stable positive (or negative-positive) wave, with a very early latency and high amplitude was always recorded after maximal stimulation of the ION, which could never be detected by stimulation of the SON. The C3 response of the TCR, evoked by SON stimulation was always evoked, by stimulation of the ION, at a low threshold. These findings suggest that the head retraction reflex is composed of two phases: inhibitory and excitatory. The early, fixed positive wave represents the general inhibition of the cranial and neck muscles, just before withdrawal of the face and head, from unexpected stimuli, which precedes the dense C3 response, demonstrating activation of the posterior neck muscles.

Temporal coordination between mandibular and head-neck movements during jaw opening-closing tasks in man

Previous finding of concomitant mandibular and head movements during jaw function suggest a functional relation between the human jaw and neck regions. This study examined the temporal coordination between mandibular and head-neck movements during maximal jaw opening-closing tasks, at fast and slow speed. Twenty-four healthy individuals, median age 25 years, participated in the study. They were seated with firm back support but without head-neck support. Mandibular and head movements were simultaneously monitored by a wireless optoelectronic system for three-dimensional movement recording. The timing of head movement in relation to mandibular movement was estimated at defined time-points (start, peak, end and maximum velocity of movement), and during the entire course of the jaw-opening and jaw-closing phases. The results showed that the head in general started to move simultaneously with or before the mandible, reached the peak position simultaneously with, before or after the mandible, and reached the end position after the mandible. A higher degree of temporal coordination was found for fast speed at the start and the peak positions. The head most often attained maximum velocity after the mandible, and mostly lagged behind the mandible during the entire jaw-opening and -closing phases. These findings support the notion of a functional linkage between the human temporomandibular and craniocervical regions. They suggest that "functional jaw movements" comprise concomitant mandibular and head-neck movements which involve the temporomandibular, the atlanto-occipital and the cervical spine joints, and are caused by jointly activated jaw and neck muscles. It is proposed that these jaw and neck muscle actions, particularly at fast speed, are elicited and synchronized by preprogrammed neural command(s) common to both the jaw and the neck motor systems. From the present results and previous observations of concurrent jaw and head movement during fetal yawning, we suggest that these motor programmes are innate.

Co-ordinated mandibular and head-neck movements during rhythmic jaw activities in man

Recent observations in man of concomitant mandibular and head movements during single maximal jaw-opening/-closing tasks suggest a close functional relationship between the mandibular and the head-neck motor systems. This study was aimed at further testing of the hypothesis of a functional integration between the human jaw and neck regions. Spatiotemporal characteristics of mandibular and associated head movements were evaluated for 3 different modes of rhythmic jaw activities: self-paced continuous maximal jaw-opening/-closing movements, paced continuous maximal jaw-opening/-closing movements at 50 cycles/minute, and unilateral chewing. Mandibular and head-neck movements were simultaneously recorded in 12 healthy young adults, by means of a wireless opto-electronic system for 3-D movement recordings, with retro-reflective markers attached to the lower (mandible) and upper (head) incisors. The results showed that rhythmic mandibular movements were paralleled by head movements. An initial change in head position (head extension) was seen at the start of the first jaw-movement cycle, and this adjusted head position was retained during the following cycles. In addition to this prevailing head extension, the maximal jaw-opening/-closing cycles were paralleled by head extension-flexion movements, and in general the start of these head movements preceded the start of the mandibular movements. The results support the idea of a functional relationship between the temporomandibular and the cranio-cervical neuromuscular systems. We therefore suggest a new concept for human jaw function, in which "functional jaw movements" are the result of activation of jaw as well as neck muscles, leading to simultaneous movements in the temporomandibular, atlanto-occipital, and cervical spine joints.

Concurrent cervical and craniofacial pain. A review of empiric and basic science evidence

Because many patients present themselves for treatment with both craniofacial and craniocervical pain, 2 questions arise: (1) What are the sensory and motor consequences of dysfunction in either of these areas on the other? (2) Do craniofacial and craniocervical pain have a similar cause? These questions formed the impetus for this review article. The phenomenon of concurrent pain in craniofacial and cervical structures is considered, and clinical reports and opinions are presented regarding theories of cervical-to-craniofacial and craniofacial-to-cervical pain referral. Because pain referral between these 2 areas requires anatomic and functional connectivity between trigeminally and cervically innervated structures, basic neurophysiologic and neuroanatomic literature is reviewed. The published data clearly demonstrate neurophysiologic and structural convergence of cervical sensory and muscle afferent inputs onto trigeminal subnucleus caudalis nociceptive and non-nociceptive neurons. Moreover, changes in metabolic activity and blood flow in the brainstem and cervical dorsal horn of the spinal cord in both monkeys and cats have been demonstrated after electric stimulation of the V1-innervated superior sagittal sinus. In conclusion, the animal experimental data support the findings of human empiric and experimental studies, which suggest that strong connectivity exists between trigeminal and cervical motor and sensory responses.

Concomitant mandibular and head-neck movements during jaw opening-closing in man

To test the hypothesis of a functional relationship between the human mandibular and cranio-cervical motor systems, head-neck movements during voluntary mandibular movements were studied in 10 healthy young adults, using a wireless optoelectronic system for three-dimensional (3D) movement recording. The subjects, unaware of the underlying aim of the study, were instructed to perform maximal jaw opening-closing tasks at fast and slow speed. Movements were quantified as 3D movement amplitudes. A consistent finding in all subjects was parallel and coordinated head-neck movements during both fast and slow jaw opening-closing tasks. Jaw opening was always accompanied by head-neck extension and jaw closing by head-neck flexion. Combined movement and electromyographic recordings showed concomitant neck muscle activity during head-neck movements, indicative of an active repositioning of the head. No differences in 3D movement amplitudes could be seen with respect to speed. The head movement was 50% of the mandibular movement during jaw opening, but significantly smaller (30-40%), during the jaw closing phase. In repeated tests, the 3D movement amplitudes of the concomitant head movements were less variable during slow jaw movement and during the jaw opening phase, than during fast and jaw closing movements, suggesting speed- and phase-related differences in the mechanisms controlling the integrated mandibular and head-neck motor acts. The present results give further support to the concept of a functional trigeminocervical coupling during jaw activities in man.

Pain perception in idiopathic cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis)

Cervical spinal pain is frequently found in conjunction with idiopathic cervical dystonia (ICD), a focal dystonia characterized by sustained deviation of the head. Since the perception of noxious stimuli has never been studied in ICD, we performed a controlled study to obtain more insight into the psychophysics of dystonia-related muscle pain by evaluating pressure-induced pain levels. In nine ICD patients and five gender- and age-matched asymptomatic control subjects, pain-pressure thresholds (PPTs) were determined in the sternocleidomastoid and upper trapezius muscles, both at resting activity and at maximal voluntary contraction (MVC). The masseter muscles served as non-pathological control regions. To determine the accuracy of PPT values, pain intensity and unpleasantness were rated at threshold on 100-mm visual analogue scales. Four replication measurements were obtained. The data were analyzed by multilevel procedures. For all muscles under investigation, average PPTs of the ICD patients were about two times lower than those of the control subjects (P < 0.001-0.0005) and showed a smaller intra-subject variance. Further, average PPTs at MVC were about two times higher than those at resting activity (P < 0.005). These results provide psychophysical evidence to suggest that, at controlled levels of muscle contraction, the threshold of pain perception is decreased in ICD. In addition, ICD patients seem to be better able to establish their own PPTs than control subjects, which might be due to a different setting of the discriminative aspect of pain in ICD. Surprisingly, lower intensity and unpleasantness scores were found in ICD patients with coinciding painful and deviated sides than in ICD patients for whom the painful side was opposite to the deviated one (P < 0.05). This finding might be of clinical importance for defining functional disability and predicting treatment outcome.

The influence of the position of surface recording electrodes on the relative uptake of the masseteric and temporal M-responses in man

The present report aimed at evaluating the influence of recording conditions on the relative uptake of direct motor responses obtained in the masseter and temporalis muscles after electrical stimulation of their nerves, using a monopolar needle technique. In 10 subjects, various surface electromyographic recording set-ups were compared using supramaximal M-responses. Volume-conducted potentials originating from the masseter muscle could be recorded from the neck. For the masseter muscle, the optimal position for the active recording electrode was over the anterior and inferior part of the muscle belly. The configuration of the masseter M-response recorded from various positions over the muscle belly was highly variable both intra- and interindividually. The configuration of the M-response of the anterior part of the temporalis muscle showed less variability.