Abstract

Title: Comparative evaluation of maximal mouth opening and its duration among children with and without poliomyelitis: a cross sectional, observational study
Aim: To evaluate and compare the maximal mouth opening (MMO) and its duration among children with and without poliomyelitis aged 7-12 years.
Methods: 40 children, each with and without poliomyelitis, were selected for the study, respectively. Their mouth opening was measured using a divider and a metallic scale. Three readings of each child were taken to obtain an accurate value and rule out any measuring error. Then, the duration of how long the child can keep their mouth open was measured using a mouth gauge and stopwatch. The child was asked to grasp the mouth gauge tightly with their teeth until they felt any muscle strain or pain. Until then, time was noted with the help of a stopwatch.
Results: The mean of MMO among children with and without poliomyelitis was 3.548 cm and 3.988 cm, respectively. The difference between both groups were statistically significant. The mean duration of mouth opening among children with and without poliomyelitis, was found to be 27.025 cm and 26.935 cm, respectively. The differences between both groups were insignificant.
Conclusion: Children with poliomyelitis had reduced mouth opening when compared to children without poliomyelitis primarily because of their compromised general health condition.

Key words: Poliomyelitis, mouth opening, stopwatch.