Is There a Correlation between Dental Occlusion, Postural Stability and Selected Gait Parameters in Adults?

Abstract

Background: There is still an ongoing debate about the role of the craniomandibular system, including occlusal conditions, on postural stability. This study aims to assess the role of antero-posterior malocclusion on postural control and plantar pressure distribution during standing and walking. Methods: 90 healthy volunteers (aged 19 to 35) were qualified for the study. The subjects were assigned to three groups, depending on the occlusion type. Each group (Angle Class I, II and III) consisted of 30 people. The research procedure included a clinical occlusal assessment performed by a dentist. Postural control measurements were carried out using a force platform by measuring plantar pressure distribution during standing (six trials with and without visual control) and walking test conditions. Results: The tendency to shift the CoP forward is demonstrated by Angle Class II subjects and backwards by Class I and III subjects (p < 0.001). Individuals with a malocclusion demonstrated significantly higher selected stabilographic parameters while standing on both feet (with eyes open and closed) and during the single-leg test with eyes open (p < 0.05). The analysis of the dynamic test results showed no significant correlations between Angle Classes and the selected gait parameters. Conclusions: Analyses conducted among individuals with malocclusions showed the impact of occlusion on static postural stability. In order to diagnose and effectively treat malocclusion, a multidisciplinary approach with the participation of dentists and physiotherapy specialists is necessary, with the use of stabilometric and kinematic posture assessments.

Relationship between Body Posture Assessed by Dynamic Baropodometry and Dental Occlusion in Patients with and without Dental Pathology

“…Another crucial aspect of our study was analyzing center of pressure (CoP) dynamics [4] and the potential association with skeletal class. Although no significant differences were found in anteroposterior CoP displacement among skeletal classes, similar to previous findings [13,48,49], our results suggest that jaw biomechanics could influence body weight distribution, subsequently affecting posture and balance. Significant differences in maximum heel forces were found with a large effect size relative to non-pathological cases, with existing studies linking lower limb differences to plantar pressures [50].…”

The relationship between orthodontic and orthopaedic interventions in the influence of postural position on the bite

“…This allows action to be taken in advance, minimizing the risk of undesirable events developing during treatment. [ 18 ] A comprehensive approach involves developing an individualized risk management plan for each patient, taking into account their unique characteristics and abnormalities. This ensures that the treatment plan is personalized and as safe as possible, taking into account all potential risks.…”

Impact of occlusal proprioception on static postural balance

“…In contrast, in asymptomatic participants and with vision, Sakaguchi et al [ 8 ] reported a longer length in RP than in ICP, whereas Amaricai et al [ 13 ] reported a smaller sway area in RP than in ICP. Other studies, such as Nowak et al [ 28 ], focused only on the influence of severe malocclusion in ICP. They reported an increased instability (increased mean length and sway area) in case of malocclusion (Class II and III) compared to normocclusion (Class I), but no inter-group difference in RQ.…”

“…These dependent variables were calculated for each of the 10 tested conditions (5 mandibular positions, with and without vision) and for the first and last 25.6 s time periods. A 5th variable, the Romberg Quotient (100*area without vision/area with vision) was also computed [ 28 ]. The Romberg Quotient was used to determine individuals for whom visual information can be considered preponderant (>1) or not (≤1) in static postural control in standing position.…”