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Comparison of habitual masticatory patterns in men and women using a custom computer program
R E Youssef1, G S Throckmorton, E Ellis
1University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Men exhibit shorter, faster chewing cycles and greater force than women, despite equivalent muscle activity. Jaw motion analysis reveals varying long-term repeatability for different masticatory parameters.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics of mastication
- Human jaw movement analysis
Background:
- Limited computer programs exist for analyzing 3D jaw motion and muscle activity data.
- Variability of masticatory cycle parameters over time is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- Analyze long-term measurements of mandibular motion and muscle activity using the MAS program.
- Investigate sex differences in masticatory movements and muscle activity.
- Determine the long-term variability and statistical power of these measurements.
Main Methods:
- Recorded 3D jaw motion and electromyography of temporalis and masseter muscles in 20 men and 17 women.
- Utilized a custom MAS computer program for data analysis.
- Employed repeated measures ANOVA to assess sex differences and long-term variability over 12 months.
Main Results:
- Chewing cycle durations were longer in women; vertical mandibular excursion tended to be greater in men.
- Muscle activity bursts were longer in women, but amplitude was similar between sexes.
- Cycle timing was most repeatable; lateral excursions and muscle force magnitudes were least repeatable.
Conclusions:
- Men have significantly shorter, faster chewing cycles and greater chewing force than women, with equivalent muscle activity levels.
- The MAS program revealed varying long-term repeatability, with cycle duration and opening amount being most stable.
- Lateral excursion and muscle activity magnitudes showed the greatest variation over time, impacting measurement reliability.