Peak torque and average power at flexion/extension of the shoulder and knee when using a mouth guard in adults with mild midline discrepancy

Abstract

[Purpose] This study was conducted to investigate the changes in torque and power during flexion and extension of the shoulder and the knee joints caused by midline correction using mouth guards made from different materials in adults with mild midline discrepancy.[Subjects] The subjects of this study were males (n=12) in their 20s who showed a 3-5 mm difference between the midlines of the upper and lower teeth but had normal masticatory function.[Methods] The torque and average power of the lower limb and upper limb were measured during flexion and extension according to various types of mouth guard. [Results] There were significant differences in relative torque and average power between three conditions (no mouth guard, soft-type mouth guard, and hard-type mouth guard) at shoulder flexion and extension. There were no significant differences in relative torque and average power between the three conditions at knee flexion and extension. [Conclusions] These results suggest that use of a mouth guard is a method by which people with a mild midline discrepancy can improve the stability of the entire body. © 2014 The Society of Physical Therapy Science.