Article

Studies on the relationship between occlusal problems and the spine
are of increasing interest. In this study, we monitored the sEMG activity of
masticatory, neck, and trunk muscles during the treatment of scoliosis in young
patients, and compared the data with a control of untreated group.
METHODS: Twelve white Caucasian patients (nine males and three females; mean age
of 8.0+/-1.5 years) with scoliosis and Class I occlusion (without crowding) were
included in this study (study group). Fifteen healthy subjects (nine males and
six females; mean age of 9.5+/-0.8 years) were recruited as control group. The
subjects were visited before they underwent the treatment of scoliosis, as well
as after 3 (T1) and 6 months (T2) of their treatment for scoliosis. The patients
were instructed to wear the device during sleep and during the day, according to
the protocol given by their orthopedic. RESULTS: The treated group showed
statistically significant changes in the sEMG activity of masticatory, neck, and
trunk muscles, both at rest and during MVC of the mandible with respect to T0.
The masseter and the anterior temporalis showed a significant improvement in the
asymmetry index from T0 to T2. On the other hand, subjects in the control group
did not register much change. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the use of a
functional device for the treatment of scoliosis induces a significant reduction
in the asymmetry index of the trunk muscles, as well as a significant increase in
the contractility of masticatory muscles.
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Langue : ANGLAIS