ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: This study tested the hypothesis that modulation of jaw sensorimotor control by intraoral dental appliance can reduce postural sway during quiet standing and hence improve standing balance, in patients with whiplash associated disorders (WAD) and non-trauma neck pain. DESIGN: Postural sway during quiet standing with feet together was examined in 54 WAD patients (40 females) and 10 non-trauma patients (8 females) using wireless 3D movement recording technique. Recordings were performed alternating without and with intraoral dental appliance, and with closed eyes and open eyes, respectively. In this protocol the participants served as their own controls. A reference group of 30 healthy subjects (17 females) was also recorded. Each recording lasted 120 s, followed by 3-5 min of rest. Speed, acceleration and perimeter of postural sway area were documented. RESULTS: In the patients, but not in the healthy group, the intraoral dental appliance instantly and significantly reduced standing postural sway in recordings with closed and open eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The prompt reduction in standing postural sway from intervention by intraoral dental appliance i.e. improved standing balance, suggests a potent effect on the postural control system by modulation of the jaw sensorimotor system, probably involving reflex transmission. The result opens for new insight into mechanisms behind postural control and the pathophysiology of balance disorders, and adds to the knowledge on plasticity of the nervous system. It may help developing new procedures for assessment and management of impaired balance in WAD and non-trauma neck pain patients.
