Relationship between mandibular position and support planting in 7-year-old children: pilot study

Introduction: Postural stability can be maintained in balance by muscle tone [1]. Change in the mandibular position or posture, may have influence in the postural reflex, defined as an involuntary defense movement [2] to correct deviations and keep the body in balance. If the postural change is constant, the muscles will move the mandible to a more comfortable position, with consequent postural change2 and plantar support. The aim of the study was to compare the plantar support in centralized and in lateralization mandibular position in seven years’ children. Main text: This study was approved by research ethics committee (No. 4.346.542). A pilot study was carried out with seven-year-old children of both sexes. Photogrammetry was performed with spherical markers in the region of the right tragus and chin symphysis (Fig. 1) concomitantly with baropodometry following (Fig. 2, 3) the protocol established by Bittar et al. [4]. Analysis of mandibular displacement and plantar support were performed with centralized mandibular position (maximum intercuspation) and with lateral displacement to the right and left. Statistical analysis compared the differences in mandibular displacement to the right and left sides using Student’s t test. Differences in plantar support variables with centralized mandibular position and in right and left lateralization position were established by the Anova one way test and the Bonferroni pos test. Significant statistical difference was reached by 5 %. Results: Twelve seven-year-old children were included, 20.8 (3.25) Kg and 1.18 (0.06) meters. The sample present greater lateral displacement of the mandible to the lefts compared to right side. Mandibular lateralization was confirmed with statistical difference compared to mandibular position centralized. No difference in all plantar support variables was observed between the three positions: centralized and left and right lateralization. Conclusions: No differences were observed for plantar support compared position in mandibular lateralization and centralized position. Mandibular lateralization displacements did not change plantar support.