Evaluation of mandibular range of motion in Brazilian children and its correlation to age, height, weight, and gender.
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.
Sousa
Letícia Mêlo de
LM
School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo.
Nagamine
Harumi Martins
HM
Chaves
Thaís Cristina
TC
Grossi
Débora Bevilaqua
DB
Regalo
Simone Cecílio Hallak
SC
Oliveira
Anamaria Siriani de
AS
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