Endurance during chewing in whiplash-associated disorders and TMD.

• We have previously shown an association between ncck injury and disturbed jaw function. This study tested the hypothesis of a relationship between neck injury and impaired endurance during chewing. Fifty patients with whiplash-associated disorders (\VAD) were compared with 50 tcmporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients and 50 healthy subjects. Endurance was evaluated during unilateral chewing of gum for 5 min when participants reported fatigue and pain. Whereas aH healthy suhjects complcted the task, 1/4 of the TMD and a majority of the \VAD patients discontinued the task. A majority of the WAD patients also reported fatigue and paln. These ndings suggest an association between neck injury and reduced functional capacity of the jaw motor system. From the results, we propose that routinc cxamination of ‘VAD patients should include jaw function and that an endurance test as described in this study could also be a useful tool for nondental professionals.

Keyword

Adolescent

Adult

Chewing Gum

Facial Pain physiopathology

Female

Humans

Male

Mandible physiopathology

Mastication physiology

Masticatory Muscles physiopathology

Middle Aged

Muscle Contraction physiology

Muscle Fatigue physiology

Physical Endurance physiology

Sex Factors

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders physiopathology

Time Factors

Whiplash Injuries physiopathology

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)