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Updated: Dec 21, 2025

In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue
Published on: July 6, 2017
The key role of the mandible in modulating airflow amplitude during sleep
Jean-Benoit Martinot1, Nhat Nam Le-Dong2, Valérie Cuthbert3
1Sleep Laboratory, CHU UCL Namur Site Sainte-Elisabeth, Belgium; Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCL, Bruxelles Woluwe, Belgium.
Rationale:
Mandibular position and motion during sleep rely on the balance between mandibular elevators and depressors. We hypothesized that vertical mandibular position (VMP) modulates airflow amplitude during sleep.
Methods:
VMP, tidal nasal flow pressure (NFP) and concurrent surface electromyographic activity of the masseters (sEMG-m) were recorded and processed by a customized algorithm from 100 polysomnographic fragments including a micro-arousal (25 obstructive sleep apnea patients). The relationship between mandibular position and changes in airflow was analysed.
Result:
Concurrent VMP and sEMG-m activity changes routinely occurred before a new steady state of airflow documented by NFP. Vertical mandible depression was associated with a median (95% CI) reduction in NFP of 40.9% (14.6%-71.3%, p = 0.007) while vertical mandible elevation and mouth closure were associated with a median (95% CI) relative increase in NFP after arousal of 52.6% (17.9%-56.2%, p = 0.001).
Conclusion:
Elevation and lowering of the mandible were associated with changes in masseteric EMG activity modulating airflow amplitude during sleep.
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