Effects of a resistance training program performed with an interocclusal splint for community-dwelling older adults: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

[Purpose] To examine whether resistance training for elderly community-dwellers performed with an interocclusal splint resulted in greater lower extremity muscle strength and better balance than resistance training performed without an interocclusal splint. [Subjects and Methods] Eighty-eight elderly persons using Japanese community day centers were randomly divided into two groups: an intervention group (n=45), which performed resistance training with an interocclusal splint; and a control group (n=43), which performed resistance training without an interocclusal splint. The resistance training program comprised a 40-min session performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Outcome measures were the chair stand test (CST), timed up and go test (TUG), and one-leg standing test (OLST). Assessments were conducted before the intervention and every 2 weeks after the start of the intervention. [Results] There was a significant group × time interaction for the OLST, with the intervention group showing significant improvement from 8 to 12 weeks compared to the control group. For the CST and TUG, no significant differences were found between the two groups throughout the 12 weeks. [Conclusion] Resistance training with an interocclusal splint improved the balance ability of elderly community-dwellers more effectively than resistance training without an interocclusal splint.

Effect of dental malocclusion on cerebellar neuron activation via the dorsomedial part of the principal sensory trigeminal nucleus

“…Hence, dental occlusion disturbance devices negatively impacted the athletic performance of young elite rowers [ 10 ] and healthy female subjects [ 7 ]. Resistance training with an interocclusal splint improved the lower extremity muscle strength and the balance ability of elderly community dwellers [ 11 ]. Since the cerebellum plays a major role in the control and coordination of movement [ 12 ], it is interesting to explore the impact of dental occlusion on the cerebellum.…”