Differences between the activity of the masticatory muscles of adults with cerebral palsy and healthy individuals while at rest and in function.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to compare the electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles of adult patients with different degrees of oral motor impairment (cerebral palsy) with the electromyographic activity of healthy individuals in a control group. Electromyographic activity was compared when the masticatory muscles were at rest and in motion.

DESIGN: Thirty adult patients with cerebral palsy and 30 subjects without neuromotor disorders were enrolled in the present study. Oral motor function impairment was classified for each subject according to the Orofacial Motor Function Assessment Scale. Surface electromyography was bilaterally recorded in the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles at rest, during maximal voluntary clench and mouth opening. Comparisons between the groups were statistically assessed using Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS: At rest and mouth opening, electromyographic values were higher among patients with cerebral palsy than control group. During maximal voluntary clench, the opposite occurred. The degree of oral motor impairment affected mouth opening.

CONCLUSION: There are significant differences in masticatory muscle activity between adult patients with CP and healthy individuals, and the degree of oral motor impairment is important.

SIGNIFICANCE: To improve the masticatory function of these patients, muscle therapy should approach rest, mouth opening and clenching differently.