Dental occlusion and body posture: a surface EMG study.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Orthodontics
• Physiology

Background:

• The relationship between dental occlusion and body posture is complex and debated.
• Previous research has yielded controversial findings regarding this connection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of balanced dental occlusion on postural muscle activity.
• To assess changes in sternocleidomastoid, erector spinae, and soleus muscle activity using surface electromyography (sEMG).

Main Methods:

• Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to measure muscle rest activity.
• 24 subjects with sub-clinical malocclusions participated.
• Muscle activity was recorded before and after wearing a neuromuscularly balanced acrylic wafer.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in mean muscle voltage was observed after wearing the wafer.
• Improved balancing rates between paired right and left postural muscles were noted (p < 0.05).
• No significant differences were found in muscle relaxation or balancing rates between specific muscle groups.

Conclusions:

• Balancing dental occlusion with an acrylic wafer has a beneficial effect on postural muscles.
• This intervention positively influences sternocleidomastoid, erector spinae, and soleus muscle activity and balance.
• The findings suggest a link between improved occlusion and enhanced body posture stability.