Effects of chewing on postural learning: An experimental pre-post intervention study

In 16 healthy volunteers (age 42-69 years, 8 females) we investigated chewing effects on postural learning. Initially, the Centre of Pressure (CoP) position in bipedal stance was recorded (1 minute) in 4 conditions: Hard support (HS)-Open Eyes (OE), HS-Closed Eyes (CE), Soft Support (SS)-OE, SS-CE. Following 2 minutes of Chewing (C, n = 8 subjects, 4 females) or rhythmic Hand Grip (HG, n = 8 subjects, 4 females), 10 unipedal stance test (1 minute) were performed for 30 minutes in both groups in HS-OE, with a progressive decrease in CoP Velocity and Path Length. Since the 95% Area of body sway decreased only in the HG group, the Length in Function of Surface (LFS, indicative of balance energy expenditure), increased in the HG and remained constant in the C group. Soon after and 5 hours post-training, bipedal stance tests were performed for 8 minutes, in the same order as before. In both groups, the changes in unipedal stance parameters were found persistent 5 hours post-training. In SS-OE condition of bipedal stance, CoP Velocity was reduced and 95% Area increased by postural training, in the HG and C group, respectively. These modifications were significantly correlated to the corresponding changes in unipedal stance and led to a LSF decrease in the C group. In conclusion, the CoP Velocity during unipedal training was not affected by the previous motor activities. Chewing allowed for a larger compliance concerning the extent of CoP oscillation. Postural training in unipedal stance seem to favour the development of modifications in bipedal stance, according to the conditioning activity. Chewing before a postural training promotes a postural strategy characterized by a constant and a lower energy cost in unipedal and bipedal stance, respectively. Further experiments are necessary to verify whether such a change may promote a more secure balance in trained people.