Fighting Against Disuse of the Masticatory System in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
- 19 March 2015
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Child Neurology
- Vol. 30 (12), 1625-1632
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0883073815575575
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients report masticatory problems. The aim was to determine the efficacy of mastication training in Duchenne muscular dystrophy using chewing gum for 4 weeks. In all, 17 patients and 17 healthy age-matched males participated. The masticatory performance was assessed using a mixing ability test and measuring anterior bite force before, shortly after and 1 month after the training. In the patient group the masticatory performance improved and remained after 1-month follow-up, no significant changes in anterior maximum bite force was observed after mastication training. In the healthy subject the bite force increased and remained at the 1-month follow-up; no significant differences in masticatory performance were observed. Mastication training by using sugar-free chewing gum in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients improved their masticatory performance. Since bite force did not improve, the working mechanism of the improvement in chewing may relate to changes of the neuromuscular function and coordination, resulting in improvement of skills in performing mastication.This publication has 31 references indexed in Scilit:
- Dysphagia in Duchenne muscular dystrophy assessed by validated questionnaireInternational Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 2013
- Assessment of mastication with implications for oral rehabilitation: a reviewJournal of Oral Rehabilitation, 2011
- Mixing ability test compared with a comminution test in persons with normal and compromised masticatory performanceEuropean Journal of Oral Sciences, 2009
- A determination of bite force in northern Japanese childrenEuropean Journal of Orthodontics, 2005
- Nutritional issues and supplements in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and other neurodegenerative disordersCurrent Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 2002
- Duchenne Muscular DystrophyAmerican Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, 1995
- Effects of fatigue and chewing training on maximal bite force and enduranceAmerican Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, 1995
- Swallowing problems in neuromuscular disordersArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 1994
- Interexaminer reliability of six orthopaedic tests in diagnostic subgroups of craniomandibular disordersJournal of Oral Rehabilitation, 1994
- Effects of therapeutic exercise on masticatory function in patients with progressive muscular dystrophy.Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, 1982