3D-Printed Wearable Device for Jaw Movement Analysis

What is it about?

The study aimed to develop and validate a 3D printable electronic wearable device to record relative jaw movement data. The research evaluated mouth opening, protrusion, and lateral excursions as essential criteria for tracking mandibular motion trajectory. Results showed differences in RMSE across left and right piezoresistive sensors, with greater differences in accelerometric motion. The study found participant 2 to have shorter maximum mouth opening cycles, leading to more frequent movement cycles per 5 seconds, consistent with their clinical presentations. The device's design did not use an intraoral stabilization component, but modifications can be made for improved accuracy, including adding fiducial markers and incorporating image tracing. The study concluded that future efforts should address the limitations documented in the experiment.

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Why is it important?

This research is important for several reasons: It demonstrates the feasibility of using open-source 3D printable electronic wearable technology to record jaw movement parameters, which can be a cost-effective and accessible solution for research and clinical applications. The study validates the accuracy and reliability of the developed device in recording jaw movements, which is crucial for assessing and diagnosing various conditions related to the jaw and oral cavity. The research highlights the importance of considering individual variations and limitations in the design and implementation of such devices, which can improve their effectiveness and adaptability for different users. Key Takeaways: 1. The study validated a 3D printable electronic wearable device to record jaw movement data, including mouth opening, protrusion, and lateral excursions. 2. The device demonstrated varying accuracy and reliability in recording jaw movements across different participants and evaluation criteria. 3. The research highlighted the importance of addressing individual variations and limitations in device design and implementation for improved effectiveness and adaptability. 4. Future modifications to the device may include thinner chassis, increased modularity, and fiducial markers for real-time image tracing, as well as viscoelastic straps for natural lateral excursions.