The aim of the present study is to analyze if there is a biomechanical relationship between trunk flexion and buccal opening and to observe if there is an improvement of trunk flexion by performing the "sit and reach" test when stretching the masticatory muscles.
The study design is made up of a double-blind clinical trial with 60 participants randomly divided into two groups of 30 people each (Treatment group and Control group). Basal measurements of the mouth opening were taken with a vernier caliper and the trunk flexion measurements were taken by means of the "sit and reach" test. These measurements were carried out again after the intervention, which consisted of self-stretching of the masticatory muscles for the Treatment group and an occlusion of the mouth for the Control group. In the results there was an increase in the trunk flexion compared to the initial values in both groups (Treatment group 2.8 (1.51), Control group 1.97 (2.31) and this increase was greater in the Treatment group even though the difference with the Control group was not statistically significant. Therefore, the stretching of the masticatory muscles does not cause an immediate increase in the degree of trunk flexion measured by the "sit and reach" test. As a consequence, we cannot confirm the existence of a biomechanical relationship between trunk flexion and mouth opening.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
60
If the subject belonged to the Treatment group, he was instructed to self-stretch the masticatory muscle. This stretch consisted of introducing three knuckles of the non-dominant hand between the incisors for two minutes while sitting.
The control group was asked to introduce only two knuckles in the oral cavity and perform a mandibular occlusion, an intervention that serves as a simulated stretch in said group.
Laura Menés Fernández
Vilanova i la Geltrú, Barcelona, Spain
Trunk flexion
Trunk flexion in cm, taken by using the "sit and reach" drawer (Eve-que). The measurements were made three consecutive times with an interval of five seconds between them. The result of the arithmetic average of the three measurements was the one that was accounted for in the study. For the measurement of trunk flexion, the subject was placed on the floor with his back against the wall and having the soles of both feet in contact with the drawer.
Time frame: 1 year
Mandibular opening
Mandibular opening in mm., assessed using the vernier caliper (INCUTEX Germany GmbHl). The measurement was made three consecutive times with an interval of five seconds between them. The result of the arithmetic average of the three measurements was the one that was caliper (corresponding to 0 of the ruler) was placed at the upper end of the lower central incisors and measured to the edge of the corresponding central incisor.
Time frame: 1 year
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