Motor behavior of masticatory muscles in individuals with unilateral trans-incisive foramen cleft lip and palate^*

^*Study performed in the Laboratory of Postural Development and Control- LADESCOP, CEFID-UDESC, Florianópolis/SC/Brazil.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate whether children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) have altered control of masticatory muscles.

Methods: The muscular activity of 66 children with CLP (n = 33) and without CLP (n = 33), aged 6–12 years was assessed during different tasks (rest, isometry, mastication) using electromyography.

Results: The activation for the analyzed muscles was higher in children with CLP at rest (R) and inactive period (IP) (p < 0.05). The muscles of children with CLP remained active for longer than those without CLP (p < 0.05), and the length of the masticatory cycle was higher in children with CLP (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Children with CLP have longer muscle activation and increased cycle time during the chewing cycle, which might be a consequence of malocclusion, resulting in difficulty chewing.

Keywords:

• Cleft lip
• cleft palate
• jaw
• masticatory muscles
• electromyography
• stomatognathic system

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel Foundation) for funding the Institutional Program for Teaching Initiation Scholarships (PIBID) of the State University of Santa Catarina. This work was supported by CAPES (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel Foundation).

Notes

^* Study performed in the Laboratory of Postural Development and Control- LADESCOP, CEFID-UDESC, Florianópolis/SC/Brazil.