Influence of different jaw positions on dynamic balance using Y-balance test

Jaw sensory-motor system has been shown to affect static balance of the body. It would be interesting to know whether it can influence dynamic balance as well. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of different jaw positions on dynamic balance using the Y-balance test.

Eighty healthy male participants aged 20-35 years were invited to participate in this study. Dynamic balance was measured by the Y-balance test in three directions (anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral) for each leg separately in three jaw positions: resting jaw (control), open-jaw, and clenched jaw.

There were no significant differences in reach distances between the different jaw positions except in the posterolateral direction. In comparison with resting jaw position, reach distance was significantly higher in open-jaw position for the right leg and in clenched and open-jaw positions for the left leg in the posterolateral direction.

Although various studies have shown direct or indirect influence of jaw sensory-motor system on static postural control, results of this study point to limited relation with dynamic postural control among healthy subjects. However, it supports the potential of the jaw sensory-motor system to affect motor control during functional tasks in patients with postural instability or similar disorders.