Visual Feedback of Bilateral Bite Force to Assess Motor Control of the Mandible in Isometric Condition

Motor Control. 2015 Oct;19(4):312-24. doi: 10.1123/mc.2014-0011. Epub 2014 Nov 10.

Abstract

The assessment of the individual ability of modulating and coordinating the right and left bite force is poorly investigated. The present study describes a methodology for the assessment of the bilateral control of the biting force and evaluates the test-retest reliability in a sample of 13 healthy subjects. By modulating the intensity and the left/right balance of the biting force, the subject was able to drive a cursor on the screen to "reach and hold" targets, randomly generated within the physiological "range of force" of the subject. The average motor performance was evaluated by the mean cursor-target distance = 13 ± 5%, the Offset Error = 9 ± 5% and the standard deviation of the force vector = 17.7 ± 6.1% (expressed as % of the target). Mean distance and standard deviation indices had acceptable reliability. This technique improves the characterization of the mandibular motor function and it may have a relevant role for the assessment and rehabilitation of the neuromusculoskeletal disorders affecting the orofacial system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bite Force*
  • Data Accuracy
  • Feedback, Sensory / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mandible / anatomy & histology
  • Mandible / physiology*
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Young Adult