Author(s):
Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of surface Neuromuscular Electrostimulation (sNMESS) and Masticatory Device with Hyperboloid (MDHB) on Masticatory Biomechanical Function (MBF) in Down Syndrome (DS). Their influences on salivary parameters, sleep disorders and body adiposity and their risks were analyzed.
Methods: Ten subjects with DS underwent the MBF evaluation and divided into two groups: sNMES and MDHB. Electrical activities of masseter and temporal muscles, maximum bite force-mBF and Maximum Mouth Opening (MMO) were investigated. Saliva testing (Salivary Flow Rate (SFR); pH value; Buffer Capacity (BC); Salivary Cortisol (SC) levels, morning and night periods; and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa-Pa identification), polysomnography type II test (Apnea-Hypoapnea Index (AHI), Snoring Index (SI) and Sleep Bruxism Index (SBI)) and anthropometric measures (Body Mass Index (BMI); Neck Circumference (NC); Abdomen Circumference (AC) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio-WHR) were done.
Results: Electrical activities were higher in sNMES than MDHB; in contrast, mBF gain and mMO reduction was enhanced in MDHB. The hyposalivation was eliminated in both the therapies. SFR was increased and BC reached normality, especially in MDHB. High levels of morning-SC were found in both therapies. PA-identification was negative. Mean AHI-SI were increased in MDHD therapy. Mean SBI was reduced in both therapies. Value means of BMI-NC-AC and BMI- AC was increased MDHB and sNMES, respectively.
Conclusion: sNMES provided better functional synergy of the masticatory muscles. MD HB substantially stimulated saliva production and intensified OSA severity. Both therapies are not recomended to treat OSA once the mean AHI >30 was maintained. SB events were markedly reduced.
