title: Human masticatory muscle forces during static biting.
abstract: Muscle forces determine joint loads, but the objectives governing the mix of muscle forces involved are unknown. This study tested the hypothesis that masticatory muscle forces exerted during static biting are consistent with objectives of minimization of joint loads (MJL) or muscle effort (MME). To do this, we compared numerical model predictions with data measured from six subjects. Biting tasks which produced moments on molar and incisor teeth were modeled based on MJL or MME. The slope of predicted vs. electromyographic (EMG) data for an individual was compared with a perfect match slope of 1.00. Predictions based on MME matched best with EMG activity for molar biting (slopes, 0.89-1.16). Predictions from either or both models matched EMG results for incisor biting (best-match slopes, 0.95-1.07). Muscle forces during isometric biting appear to be consistent with objectives of MJL or MME, depending on the individual, biting location, and moment.
authors.affiliation: University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, Department of Growth and Development, 40th and Holdrege Streets, PO Box 830740, Lincoln, NE 68583-0755, USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Nickel
authors.forename: L R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Iwasaki
authors.forename: R D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: McLachlan
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: McCall
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001732:Bite Force; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003799:Dental Stress Analysis; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007180:Incisor / Q000502:physiology; D007537:Isometric Contraction; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008335:Mandibular Condyle / Q000502:physiology; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D008963:Molar / Q000502:physiology; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000502:physiology*