Purpose of the study: The influence of the stomatognathic apparatus on body posture is a continuously discussed topic with contrasting results. The aim of this study is to analyze differences in postural stability between subjects with and without myogenous TMD.
Methods: 25 subjects affected by myogenous TMD according with DC/TMD (6 males, 19 females; mean age 31.75±6.68years) and a healthy control group of 19 subjects (4 Males, 15 Females; mean age 27.26±3.85years) were enrolled in the study. Both groups underwent a posturo-stabilometric force platform exam under different mandibular and visual conditions. Sway area and sway velocity of the COP (Center Of foot Pressure) posturo-stabilometric parameters were evaluated and compared applying Mann-U-Whitney statistical test.
Results: The sway area and sway velocity parameters resulted statistically significantly higher in the TMD group (sway area p<0.01; sway velocity p<0.05) in mandibular maximum intercuspation and rest positions with eyes open.
Conclusions: This study demonstrates a significant difference in body postural stability between subjects with myogenous TMD and healthy controls. In particular, sway area and sway velocity postural parameters are increased in these subjects.
Keywords: Mandible; Masticatory muscles; Postural balance; Posture; Temporomandibular joint disorders.
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