Open AccessEffect of occlusal splint and therapeutic exercises on postural balance of patients with signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder
Author(s) -
Oliveira Simone S. I.,
Pannuti Claudio M.,
Paranhos Klenise S.,
Tanganeli João P. C.,
Laganá Dalva C.,
Sesma Newton,
Duarte Marcos,
Frigerio Maria Luíza M. A.,
Cho SangChon
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dental research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.464
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2057-4347
DOI - 10.1002/cre2.136
Subject(s) - splint (medicine) , temporomandibular disorder , balance (ability) , medicine , orthodontics , physical therapy , physical medicine and rehabilitation , temporomandibular joint
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the use of an occlusal splint on postural balance considering the occlusal splint as a device for treating temporomandibular joint disorder. A randomized, controlled, prospective clinical trial was conducted. The research group consisted of 49 patients (36 as test group and 13 as control group) between 18 and 75 years old, both genders, diagnosed as temporomandibular disorder by Research Diagnostic Criteria/Temporomandibular Disorders questionnaire and magnetic resonance imaging of the temporomandibular joints. Test group was treated with orientations for physiotherapeutic exercises and occlusal splint, whereas control group received orientation for physiotherapeutic exercises only. Postural equilibrium was evaluated by means of a force plate. After 12 weeks, the groups were re‐evaluated. Patients from both groups presented a significant increase in antero‐posterior speed with eyes closed, test group ( P < 0.001) and control group ( P = 0.046). Only patients of the test group presented a significant increase in antero‐posterior speed with eyes opened ( P = 0.023). We concluded that the use of occlusal splint affected the postural balance.