Prague Med. Rep. 2024, 125, 220-231

https://doi.org/10.14712/23362936.2024.20

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis in Adult Women: A Functional Approach to the Stomatognathic System

Danilo Stefani Esposto1, Marcelo Palinkas1,2, Mariah Acioli Righetti1, Oswaldo Luiz Stamato Taube3, Anna Luísa Alves Fernandes1, Jéssica Chiaratto1, Vitória Ricardo1, Fernanda Cristina Toloi Fiori Rufato1, Simone Cecilio Hallak Regalo1,2, Selma Siéssere1,2

1Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
2Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo and National Institute and Technology – Translational Medicine (INCT.TM), São Paulo, Brazil
3Department of Physiotherapy, UNIFAFIBE, Bebedouro, São Paulo, Brazil

Received April 11, 2023
Accepted July 28, 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis both affect the articular cartilage, and are characterized by signs and symptoms that can affect the functions of the human body. This cross-sectional observational study evaluated electromyographic activity in the masseter and temporalis muscles, molar bite force, and mandibular mobility in adult women with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. A total of 42 women were distributed into 3 groups: rheumatoid arthritis group (ARG, n=14); osteoarthritis group (OAG, n=14); and a healthy control group (CG, n=14). Electromyography was used to evaluate mandibular tasks at rest, right and left laterality, protrusion, and dental clenching during maximum voluntary contraction, with and without parafilm, and a dynamometer was used to analyse the right and left molar bite forces. A digital caliper was used to measure the range of mandibular movement for maximum mouth opening, right and left laterality, and protrusion. Statistical analyses were performed, including analysis of variance and Tukey’s test (P<0.05). Electromyography showed no significant differences between the groups when evaluating the masticatory muscles during the mandibular tasks. Significant difference was observed between the ARG and CG, however, in the maximum right (P=0.007) and left (P=0.02) molar bite forces. Significant difference was observed in the maximum mouth opening of the ARG and OAG groups compared with that of the CG (P=0.009), suggesting that adult women with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis experience functional alterations in the stomatognathic system, particularly in molar bite force and maximum mouth opening.

Funding

This study was supported by the Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo – FAPESP and Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia – Medicina Translacional (INCT.TM).

References

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