A Computerized System to Study Masticatory Function

Abstract

This article describes a system that allows for simultaneous analysis of subjects' mandibular movements and electromyographic activity during chewing. The authors examined clockwise and counterclockwise movements separately, using the following parameters for the opening and closing strokes at 20 different degrees of jaw separation:

1.	Number of times the movement occurred.
2.	Mean displacement values.
3.	Actual velocity.
4.	Velocity values on the three coordinates X, Y, and Z.

A plotter was used for a graphic analysis of the movements. The system recorded electromyographic activity from both masseters with a two-channel electromyograph. (However, the system can record up to eight channels at once.) After the data was collected, the mean electrical activity for each degree of jaw separation during opening and closing was calculated. The system used for this study seems to be a reliable and comprehensive means of assessing masticatory activity in function and dysfunction.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Franco Mongini

Franco Mongini, M.D., D.D.S., Ph.D.

In 1963, Dr. Mongini received his M.D. degree from the University of Turin School of Medicine in Italy. He then went on to complete his specialist's degree in odontostomatology, which he received in 1965. He completed his D.D.S. in 1967 at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, and his Ph.D. was received in Rome in 1971.

Dr. Mongini is a lecturer in prosthodontics at the University of Turin School of Dentistry. He also serves as director of the university's Center of Gnathology and Physiopathology of the Masticatory Function. He is a fellow of the International College of Dentists.

Dr. Mongini has published many articles and text chapters on TMJ remodeling, muscle function and dysfunction, mandibular motion, and occlusion. He is also the author of The Stomatognathic System; Function, Dysfunction and Rehabilitation.

Ennio Fabris

Ennio Fabris, Dr. Ing.

Dr. Fabris received his Doctor of Engineering degree from the University of Padua in Italy in 1967. He has been active in Italy and Germany since that time in software development, planning, and programming. He has participated in several projects for spacelab and the space shuttle, including the Instrument Pointing System (IPS).

Dr. Fabris has recently been involved in developing software programs for orthodontics, electromedicine, and the analysis of mandibular movements. He is the executive director of Columbia Systems in Pordenone, Italy.

Guido Tempia-Valenta

Guido Tempia-Valenta, D.D.S.

Dr. Tempia-Valenta received his D.D.S. degree from the University ofThrin School of Dentistry in Turin, Italy. Since 1983 he has been a resident in the Center of Gnathology and Physiopathology of the Masticatory Function at the university.

He is active in research at the institution, particularly in the area of mandibular movements and electromyography of the masticatory muscles. He is also working on a thesis studying the mastication in function and dysfunction.

Dr. Tempia-Valenta is a member of the International Association for Dental Research, and he presented a paper at the group's 1984 general session.