Motor behavior of masticatory muscles in individuals with unilateral trans-incisive foramen cleft lip and palate

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) have altered control of masticatory muscles. METHODS: The muscular activity of 66 children with CLP (n = 33) and without CLP (n = 33), aged 6-12 years was assessed during different tasks (rest, isometry, mastication) using electromyography. RESULTS: The activation for the analyzed muscles was higher in children with CLP at rest (R) and inactive period (IP) (p < 0.05). The muscles of children with CLP remained active for longer than those without CLP (p < 0.05), and the length of the masticatory cycle was higher in children with CLP (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Children with CLP have longer muscle activation and increased cycle time during the chewing cycle, which might be a consequence of malocclusion, resulting in difficulty chewing.