Purpose
: to study was to analyze the electrical activity of Masseter and Temporalis muscles and the pattern of posture and movement of the head and jaws of children with cerebral palsy (CP).
Methods
: the sample comprised 32 volunteers with spastic CP and with normal development, with ages ranging from 7 to 13 years of age, characterized based on the Classification of Angle and Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD). Simultaneously, we evaluated the position and movement of the head and jaw and electrical activity of Temporalis and Masseter muscles by means of kinematic and electromyography.
Results
: the CP was not associated with the presence of TMD or with the alteration of dental occlusion. In the CP group, there was greater asymmetry of the temporalis muscle (p<0.05), more head extension at maximum mouth opening (p<0.05), greater range of head extension (p<0.01) and greater range of anterior projection of the head (p<0.05).
Conclusion
: the greater asymmetry in muscle activity, the greater extension and projection of the head during the chewing cycle can be causes of disorders of the oral motor function of children with CP.
Cerebral Palsy; Masticatory Muscles; Electromyography
