Algorithm for assessing changes in the functional state of muscles of the maxillofacial area of athletes using individual relaxation occlusal splints or mouth guards

Abstract

The paper proposes an algorithm for assessing changes in the functional state of bilaterally located muscles. The proposed algorithm is based on the analysis of two-dimensional distribution function and two-dimensional probability density of the amplitude of electromyograms of the muscles under study. The paper proposes criteria for assessing the symmetry and asymmetry of muscle activity, presents the results of the study of changes in the functional state of the temporalis muscles and the masseter muscles for a group of athletes. During sports competitions and preparing to them, athletes are exposed to high physical and emotional stress which leads to a premature decrease in the functional activity of the muscles causing changes in the biomechanics of movements. The reasons that lead to a decrease in the functional activity of the muscles are as follows: occlusal disharmony; changes in bite and / or interalveolar distance, hypertonicity of the muscles of the maxillofacial region. Ultimately, these reasons lead to a deterioration in sports performance. The group of the athletes under study involved 10 males aged 23 to 24 years, who are engaged in combat sports at a professional level. Each athlete underwent a clinical examination, palpation and isometric tests of the muscles of the maxillofacial region (MR) and temporomandibular joints (TMJ), auscultation of the TMJ, control of occlusion (using copy paper and T-scan apparatus), cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) of the dentoalveolar system (DAS) and electromyography (EMG) of the muscles of the maxillofacial region. At this stage of the research, each athlete received individual relaxation occlusal splints or mouthguards of two types: 2.0 mm thick soft one and 3.0 mm thick semi-rigid one. It was recommended to the athletes that they should wear the splints for 1–2 months in the following manner: to wear 2.0 mm thick soft splint on an ongoing basis, excluding food intakes and the training process, whereas 3.0 mm thick semi-rigid splints should be used during the training process and other types of physical activity, as well as at competitions.