Posturography as a diagnostic aid in dentistry: a systematic review

Abstract

The aim of this systematic review of the literature was to assess the scientific evidence for detectable correlations between the stomatognathic system and whole-body posture and to provide information on the relevance of posturography as a diagnostic aid in dentistry. A literature survey was performed using the Medline database, covering the period from January 1966 to May 2009, and using the medical subject headings. After selection, 21 articles qualified for the final analysis. Only one study was judged to be of medium/high quality, with all of the rest classified as of low quality design. Only two studies included follow-up of 28 days and 1 year. Overall, 14 of the studies reported detectable correlations between the stomatognathic system and body posture in at least one of the parameters used, although in four of these studies the authors suggested caution in the interpretation of their data. After a reappraisal of the data provided in 13 of the studies, a weak correlation that reaches biological, but not clinical, relevance is apparent. With limitations because of the poor methodological quality of the present published studies, conclusions are that a correlation between the stomatognathic system and whole-body posture can be detected, at least under experimental conditions; although posturography has little relevance in the monitoring of body posture responses to changes in the stomatognathic system (including temporomandibular disorders). While more investigations with improved levels of scientific evidence are needed, the current evidence does not support the usefulness of posturography as a diagnostic aid in dentistry.

Intersession reliability of a posturo-stabilometric test, using a force platform

“…Moreover some criticism was made against the use of stabilometric platform as a trustworthy instrument. In fact in the literature review by Perinetti and Contardo (2009) it is concluded that although an association between the masticatory system and body posture probably exists, its clinical significance is low and a force platform is not a suitable instrument in dental diagnosis.…”

Three-dimensional longitudinal evaluation of palatal vault changes in growing subjects

“…30,32 In this regard, a threshold of 1.0 was used to assess potentially good diagnostic accuracy. 33 P , .05 was used for rejection of the null hypothesis.…”

Does asymmetry in the stomatognathic system correlate with body posture impairments?: A systematic review

“…6 Moreover, even in an absence of major anatomical malocclusal traits, a mandibular shift may be responsible for an established functional asymmetry in the stomatognathic system. In spite of previous reviews [2][3][4]7,8 to date, none has focused on the potential correlation between asymmetries in the stomatognathic system and body posture imbalances, while more studies have been published recently. Therefore, the present systematic review was aimed at the evaluation of potential correlations between anatomical and functional asymmetry in the stomatognathic system (without signs and symptoms of TMDs) and body posture impairments.…”

“…Among the difficulties in interpretation of the results of the previous investigation is the heterogeneity of the study designs and data recording, lack of follow-up and control groups, and merging of different conditions, such as malocclusion and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). [2][3][4] Therefore, there is no clear indication as to whether and how oral rehabilitation may concur to the improvement or prevention of body postural impairments. Apart TMDs, malocclusion is a frequent condition with high prevalence in western countries.…”

“…[2][3][4] However, the exact knowledge of any potential effect of the stomatognathic system on body posture would have major clinical implications in the management of patients with malocclusion. Among the difficulties in interpretation of the results of the previous investigation is the heterogeneity of the study designs and data recording, lack of follow-up and control groups, and merging of different conditions, such as malocclusion and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).…”