Effect of an auditory cue on chewing cycle kinematics.

Objectives: This study analysed the systematic and random effects of a rhythmic auditory cue on chewing cycle kinematics.

Methods: The chin movements of 25 subjects (19-35 years of age) with normal class I occlusion were recorded at 100Hz (Optotrak) Northern Digital) during two natural gum chewing (2.5 g) sequences to determine the chewing rate of each subject. Another sequence was recorded with the subjects chewing at their natural rate following an audible cue. Multilevel modeling procedures were used to evaluate differences between natural chewing with and without an audible cue.

Results: Differences were found between experimental conditions for excursions, velocities and cycle shape. When chewing with the audible cue velocities were slower and there was less excursion of the chin marker, with the exception of initial lateral movements toward the balancing side. No differences in between-subject variability were found when chewing with or without an audible cue. Within-subject variability was 44% smaller for total cycle duration and 53% smaller for total 3D excursion when chewing with the auditory cue.

Conclusions: Chewing at one's normal rate while following an auditory cue produces more consistency in chewing cycle kinematics. This method may be applicable, with some limitations, to reduce within-subject variability in chewing cycle kinematics.