title: The effect of mastication on reaction latency to unanticipated external disturbances in the standing position.
abstract: Previous research has shown that mastication reduces shifts in the center of gravity of persons standing still. The present research was conducted to determine whether mastication improves reactive balance in the standing position in response to unanticipated external disturbances. The subjects were 32 healthy male adults (mean age 21.1 years, standard deviation (SD) 0.7 years). Latency data determined with the Motor Control Test of Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) were compared for the three conditions of mastication status, the direction of translation, and the magnitude of translation, using three-way repeated measures ANOVA and lower-order ANOVA with the three conditions separated. Latency was significantly shorter with mastication than with the lower jaw relaxed (P < 0.00001). Mastication alone, however, cannot be considered significant because of the complex interactions involved among the three conditions. Mastication increases not only static balance but also reactive balance in response to unanticipated external disturbances. Gum chewing may therefore reduce falls among elderly persons with impaired balance.
authors.affiliation: Section of Rehabilitation Medicine, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Science, Tokyo Medical and Dental University.
authors.forename: Keisuke
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kaji
authors.forename: Munenori
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Katoh
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Isozaki
authors.forename: Junya
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aizawa
authors.forename: Tadashi
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Masuda
authors.forename: Sadao
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Morita
mesh_terms: D002638:Chewing Gum; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000502:physiology; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology*; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002638:Chewing Gum