title: Fighting Against Disuse of the Masticatory System in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Pilot Study Using Chewing Gum.
abstract: Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients report masticatory problems. The aim was to determine the efficacy of mastication training in Duchenne muscular dystrophy using chewing gum for 4 weeks. In all, 17 patients and 17 healthy age-matched males participated. The masticatory performance was assessed using a mixing ability test and measuring anterior bite force before, shortly after and 1 month after the training. In the patient group the masticatory performance improved and remained after 1-month follow-up, no significant changes in anterior maximum bite force was observed after mastication training. In the healthy subject the bite force increased and remained at the 1-month follow-up; no significant differences in masticatory performance were observed. Mastication training by using sugar-free chewing gum in Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients improved their masticatory performance. Since bite force did not improve, the working mechanism of the improvement in chewing may relate to changes of the neuromuscular function and coordination, resulting in improvement of skills in performing mastication.
authors: Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, College of Dental Science, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands Department of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics and Special Dental Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands Willemijn.vanBruggen@radboudumc.nl.
authors: H Willemijn
authors: HW
authors: van Bruggen
authors: Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
authors: Lenie
authors: L
authors: van den Engel-Hoek
authors: Department of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics and Special Dental Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands.
authors: Michel H
authors: MH
authors: Steenks
authors: Department of Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics and Special Dental Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Netherlands.
authors: Andries
authors: A
authors: van der Bilt
authors: Department of Preventive and Restorative Dentistry, College of Dental Science, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
authors: Ewald M
authors: EM
authors: Bronkhorst
authors: Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, College of Dental Science, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
authors: Nico H J
authors: NH
authors: Creugers
authors: Department of Rehabilitation, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
authors: Imelda J M
authors: IJ
authors: de Groot
authors: Department of Oral Function and Prosthetic Dentistry, College of Dental Science, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.
authors: Stanimira I
authors: SI
authors: Kalaykova
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001732:Bite Force; D002638:Chewing Gum; D002648:Child; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020388:Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D013284:Stomatognathic System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D002638:Chewing Gum
keywords: Duchenne muscular dystrophy; mastication training; masticatory performance; muscle disease; rehabilitation