Jaw–neck motor strategy during jaw-opening with resistance load

Abstract

Background: The jaw and neck motor systems have a close functional integration but the effect of resistance load to the mandible during jaw opening on the jaw–neck integration is not known. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of resistance load compared to no load on integrated jaw and neck motor function in individuals free from pain and dysfunction in the jaw and neck regions. Methods: Jaw and head movements during continuous jaw opening were recorded with an optoelectronic system (MacReflex®) in 26 pain-free individuals (14 women, 12 men, mean age 22 years). Jaw opening was performed with and without resistance load (1600 g) to the mandible. The relationship between jaw movement amplitude, head movement amplitude, head/jaw ratio (quotient of head and jaw movement amplitude) and resistance load were modelled using linear mixed-model analysis. A p-value