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Head Immobilization can Impair Jaw Function

¹ Department of Odontology, Clinical Oral Physiology, Umeå University, S-901 87, Umeå, Sweden, and Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Gävle University, Sweden; and
² Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Umeå University, Sweden

^* corresponding author, per-olof.eriksson{at}odont.umu.se

Findings that jaw-opening/-closing relies on both mandibular and head movements suggest that jaw and neck muscles are jointly activated in jaw function. This study tested the hypothesis that rhythmic jaw activities involve an active repositioning of the head, and that head fixation can impair jaw function. Concomitant mandibular and head-neck movements were recorded during rhythmic jaw activities in 12 healthy adults, with and without fixation of the head. In four participants, the movement recording was combined with simultaneous registration of myoelectric activity in jaw and neck muscles. The results showed neck muscle activity during jaw opening with and without head fixation. Notably, head fixation led to reduced mandibular movements and shorter duration of jaw-opening/-closing cycles. The findings suggest recruitment of neck muscles in jaw activities, and that head fixation can impair jaw function. The results underline the jaw and neck neuromuscular relationship in jaw function.

KEY WORDS: human • head • neck • jaw • movement