title: Evaluation of mandibular range of motion in Brazilian children and its correlation to age, height, weight, and gender.
abstract: This study aimed to measure the active mandibular range of motion (ROM) (mouth opening: MO; right and left lateral movements: RL and LL; protrusion: P) in Brazilian children of both genders and of various ages, weights, and heights, and to establish correlations among such variables. Study subjects (n = 303) were healthy boys and girls, with ages ranging between 6 and 14 years, who were regular students of a public school in the state of São Paulo. Analysis of variance and intra-class correlation coefficients were considered significant for p < 0.05. Weak significant correlations were observed between mandibular ROM and age, height, and weight. No statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed regarding mandibular ROM between gender groups. Mean mandibular ROM values showed significant increases (p < 0.05) in relation to age, height, and weight, except for RL (p > 0.05), in the studied age range. Significantly smaller (p < 0.05) mean mandibular ROM values were observed for the intervals of 6 and 7 years of age, 1.15-1.35 m, and 17.30-26.50 kg, in relation to the other ranges. Nonetheless, no differences were observed among mean mandibular ROM values in the ranges 8 to 12-14 years, 1.36-1.75 m, and 47-85 kg. Thus, it is suggested that weight, height, and age variables be considered when obtaining mandibular ROM values, particularly in children aged 6 to 7 years, measuring 1.15-1.35 m, and weighing between 17.3-46.5 kg.
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo.
authors.forename: Letícia Mêlo de
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Sousa
authors.forename: Harumi Martins
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Nagamine
authors.forename: Thaís Cristina
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Chaves
authors.forename: Débora Bevilaqua
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Grossi
authors.forename: Simone Cecílio Hallak
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Regalo
authors.forename: Anamaria Siriani de
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Oliveira
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001824:Body Constitution / Q000502:physiology*; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D001938:Brazil; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology