A feedback method to determine the three-dimensional bite-force capabilities of the human masticatory system.
A feedback procedure is described that enables a subject to exert bite forces in certain specified directions during static contraction of the human jaw muscles. The output of a three-dimensional transducer is fed to a computer. The magnitude and direction of the resultant force are computed and visualized by a cross on the screen of the computer terminal. In a bite experiment, the subject is instructed to match this cross with a point on the screen, representing the desired bite-force direction. The procedure allows for determination of the range of possible bite-force directions and magnitudes for various locations on the dental arch and study of the concomitant recruitment patterns of the jaw muscles. Some examples of measurement are given.
van Eijden
T M
TM
Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), Department of Anatomy and Embryology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Koolstra
J H
JH
Brugman
P
P
Weijs
W A
WA
D000328:Adult; D001732:Bite Force; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D007574:Jaw Relation Record; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012815:Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted; D014159:Transducers