Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2025
Muscle Function Obtained with Motion Mode Ultrasound and Surface Electromyography during Core Endurance Exercise
Published on: August 25, 2022
Bruxism repercussions in muscular activation: Ultrasound differences in abdominal wall between women with and without
Paula Yela-Lorenzo1, Paola Montes-Arenas1, Vanesa Abuín-Porras1
1Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physiotherapy, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Health and Sports, Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain.
Introduction:
Bruxism, often triggered by stress, induces temporomandibular alterations, increasing muscle activity and affecting dental occlusion. Prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions related to stress is higher in women, with craneo-cervical affectation being frequently reported. Moreover, some authors explore the relationship between temporomandibular disorders and postural alteration, affecting the trunk complex. This study aims to evaluate differences in abdominal muscle morphology between women with and without bruxism in Spain, and, secondarily, the effects of voluntary teeth grinding in abdominal muscle activation.
Methodology:
An observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 44 Spanish women (diagnosed with bruxism = 22, non-bruxism = 22). To ensure and corroborate the absence of bruxism from the control group, the Clinical Based Assesment questionnaire was used. Ultrasound measures of Transverse Abdominal, External Oblique and Internal oblique were recorded during rest and voluntary grinding.
Results:
Grinding was associated with changes in abdominal muscle thickness in both groups, with statistically significant higher thickness values for all studied muscles. Moreover, the Bruxism group showed statistically significant higher values for all muscles in grinding conditions compared to the Non-Bruxism group. Significant differences in left transverse abdominal thickness were found between groups in resting condition. Further analysis using linear regression indicated that both Bruxism (t = -2.03, p = 0.049) and BMI (t = 3.13, p = 0.003) were significantly associated with muscle thickness, with BMI acting as a confounding factor. Age was not a significant predictor (p = 0.506), suggesting its limited role in this context.
Conclusion:
The results of this study support the existence of an association between bruxism and the abdominal wall muscles structure and activation. This emphasizes the importance of considering bruxism in the evaluation of abdominal muscle function.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Assessment of the Abdomen II: Percussion
Percussion
Percussion is an essential...
01:25Assessment of the Abdomen I: Inspection and Auscultation
The abdominal examination is a cornerstone of clinical medicine, serving as a critical tool in diagnosing various gastrointestinal (GI) diseases. It involves a systematic approach that includes inspection and auscultation, each with distinct yet complementary roles in assessing the abdomen. This article will delve into these two primary methods healthcare professionals use to examine the abdomen.
Inspection of the Abdomen
The first step in any abdominal examination is inspection....
01:20Ultrasound I: Abdominal Ultrasonography
Abdominal ultrasonography, commonly known as abdominal ultrasound, is a vital, non-invasive medical imaging technique widely used in healthcare.
Procedure:
This diagnostic tool allows the clinician to visually inspect internal structures within the abdomen, including vital organs such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and spleen.
The abdominal ultrasound process begins with applying a special gel to the patient's skin over the abdomen. This gel enhances the...