Neuromuscular and postural systems : effects of Global Proprioceptive Resonance

Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Global Proprioceptive Resonance (GPR) by Multi Focal Vibrations (MFV) on muscle performance and body balance in healthy subjects, above all to find out a correlation between the postural equilibrium and MFV that leads to a muscular release and a redistribution of plantar loads, a correlation between the neuromuscular system (electromyographic, electrognatographic activity) and an MFV that leads to a muscular release. Methods: Sixty volunteers (31 males and 29 females, aged 19-25 years) underwent, in a randomized order, both the electromyography (EMG) and stabilometry exams before the Multi Focal Vibration (MFV) and immediately after it. Results: The effects of GPR on the surface EMG of masseters and anterior temporalis muscles did not induce any statistically significant change, except to masseters muscles (p<0.05). There were effects in body balance tests, too (p<0.05). Conclusion: In this preliminary study it was concluded that the Multi Focal Vibration (MFV) induced changes both in neuromuscular and in postural tests. Further and future studies should focus on evaluating the effects on orthodontic and temporomandibular disease patients, as well as the long term effects.