Influence of vibratory stimuli on the perception of mandibular vertical position

Abstract

We investigated the influence of vibratory stimuli on mandibular position during opening and closing movements. Eight subjects were instructed to memorize different reference positions from intercuspal position (ICP). They were then required to open and close 20 times between each reference point and a point just short of maximum opening. A l00Hz vibratory stimulus was then applied for 20 second to the mentalis and the above jaw movements were repeated. After application of the stimulus, the opening was generally less. Next, the subjects were requested to cycle between the reference points and a position just short of ICP. After application of the stimulus, the opening was generally greater. We found that the mandibular position sense was affected by vibratory stimuli.