Influence of the Lower Jaw Position on the Running Pattern

Abstract

IntroductionThe effects of manipulated dental occlusion on body posture has been investigated quite often and discussed controversially in the literature. Far less attention has been paid to the influence of dental occlusion position on human movement. If human movement was analysed, it was mostly while walking and not while running. This study was therefore designed to identify the effect of lower jaw positions on running behaviour according to different dental occlusion positions.MethodsTwenty healthy young recreational runners (mean age = 33.9±5.8 years) participated in this study. Kinematic data were collected using an eight-camera Vicon motion capture system (VICON Motion Systems, Oxford, UK). Subjects were consecutively prepared with four different dental occlusion conditions in random order and performed five running trials per test condition on a level walkway with their preferred running shoes. Vector based pattern recognition methods, in particular cluster analysis and support vector machines (SVM) were used for movement pattern identification.ResultsSubjects exhibited unique movement patterns leading to 18 clusters for the 20 subjects. No overall classification of the splint condition could be observed. Within individual subjects different running patterns could be identified for the four splint conditions. The splint conditions lead to a more symmetrical running pattern than the control condition.DiscussionThe influence of an occlusal splint on running pattern can be confirmed in this study. Wearing a splint increases the symmetry of the running pattern. A more symmetrical running pattern might help to reduce the risk of injuries or help in performance. The change of the movement pattern between the neutral condition and any of the three splint conditions was significant within subjects but not across subjects. Therefore the dental splint has a measureable influence on the running pattern of subjects, however subjects individuality has to be considered when choosing the optimal splint condition for a specific subject.

Strength improvements through occlusal splints? The effects of different lower jaw positions on maximal isometric force production and performance in different jumping types

“…In recent years, several publications have reported an improvement of performance through a change in jaw position [ 1 – 10 ]. Studies have even shown that short-term changes of the occlusion condition induces positive effects on postural control [ 11 – 16 ], body posture [ 17 – 22 ], walking and running patterns [ 9 , 23 – 25 ], endurance [ 8 ] and strength performance [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 7 , 10 ]. The myocentric position (the mandible has a balanced isotonic muscle contraction while clinching) has produced more stable postural positions when compared to maximal occlusion condition (habitually relation of the upper jaw to the lower jaw while maximum clenching), centric occlusion, where the jaw condyle is in a centric and rest position (no contact between upper and lower jaw) [ 12 ].…”

“…Further, Maurer et al [ 9 ] have reported increases in symmetry of kinematics during running. Improvements in endurance have been measured using Wingate test [ 3 ], sprints [ 5 ] and Cooper test [ 10 ] wearing custom-made mouth guards.…”

“…For the Centric splint the focus is on manually finding and fixing the centric condylar position. In contrast the DPS splint is selected by using the transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) system to relax the masticatory muscles [ 9 ]. In addition, the materials of the two splints are different: the Centric is manufactured of hard material, while the DPS is made of soft material.…”

“…Previous studies have shown the influence of the occlusion conditions on muscle chains [ 4 , 7 , 9 ]. An improvement in balance has been reported, the body posture has become a more upright position and the walking pattern has changed to become more symmetric.…”

Einfluss dentaler Okklusionsveränderungen auf die Rehabilitation eines glenohumeralen Innenrotationsdefizits (GIRD) bei Profivolleyballern

“…oben). Die Abschlussmessungen werden nach dem gleichen Prinzip wie bei der Eingangsmessung, nach der 8-wöchigen Intervention, wiederholt.Der Funktionsstatus des Kiefergelenks wurde mittels eines an die DC/TMD angelehnten Tests untersucht, mit dem es möglich ist, temporomandibuläre Dysfunktionen herauszustellen.Nachdem alle Probandinnen für die Studie inkludiert wurden fand eine zufällige Zuordnung (Block-Randomisierung mit Briefumschlägen) der Studienteilnehmer in die Interventions-(Schienengruppe) oder Kontrollgruppe (Nicht-Schienengruppe) statt.Den Probandinnen der Schienengruppe wurde ein individuelles dentales Aufbiss-Behelf mittels Futar-Biss-Registratsmasse angefertigt (▶ Abb 4,5)…”