Abstract

A study was done to examine the effects of wearing splints, for treatment of temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, on muscle strength and equilibrium in athletes. Forty collegiate athletes participated. All the subjects were interviewed and examined by dental investigators. Splints were constructed on the basis of vertical dimensions deemed appropriate by the subjects dentists. Three areas were then studied: First, isometric muscle strength of grip, arm flexion, back extension, leg extension, and plantar flexion were measured with and without splints. Second, isokinetic muscle strength of knee extension and flexion were measured at angular velocities of 60 deg/s, 120 deg/s, and 240 deg/s, with and without splints. Third, a stepping test with closed eyes was used to determine equilibrium by measuring transfer distance, transfer angle and rotation angle with and without splints. From the present results, it is suggested that wearing of splints is an effective aid for improving the muscle strength and equilibrium of athletes. Verf.-Referat