Evaluation of mandibular range of motion in Brazilian children and its correlation to age, height, weight, and gender

• Main Authors: Letícia Mêlo de Sousa (Author), Harumi Martins Nagamine (Author), Thaís Cristina Chaves (Author), Débora Bevilaqua Grossi (Author), Simone Cecílio Hallak Regalo (Author), Anamaria Siriani de Oliveira (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Sociedade Brasileira de Pesquisa Odontológica, 2008-03-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 10.1590/S1806-83242008000100011; 1806-8324
• Keywords: Temporomandibular joint; Range of motion, articular; Movement; Dentistry; RK1-715
• Source: Brazilian Oral Research, Vol 22, Iss 1, Pp 61-66 (2008)

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.