Systematic changes of the static upper body posture with a symmetric occlusion condition

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Orthodontics
• Human Posture Analysis

Background:

• The influence of temporary occlusal alterations on human static posture remains debated.
• Lack of data exists regarding age- and gender-specific neurophysiological responses to occlusal changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the immediate effects of symmetrical occlusal blockade on three-dimensional upper body posture.
• To investigate potential age- and gender-specific differences in these postural responses.

Main Methods:

• 800 healthy adults (21-60 years) were analyzed, stratified by gender and age decade.
• Three-dimensional posture was measured using rasterstereography (ABW-Bodymapper).
• Posture was assessed in natural rest position and with symmetrical bicuspid occlusion blockade using cotton rolls.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in trunk length and spinal forward decline were observed.
• Increases in lumbar and thoracic bending angles were noted.
• A significant reduction in scapular distance occurred, with males showing a greater reduction than females.

Conclusions:

• Symmetrical occlusal blockade induces minor, gender- and age-independent postural changes in the sagittal plane.
• A gender-specific reduction in scapular distance was observed in males.
• The minimal magnitude of these changes suggests robust neurophysiological compensation mechanisms across diverse demographics.