It has been shown that a test
capsule originally designed as a simple and reliable aid to evaluate masticatory ability could help to identify the characteristics of chewing loops between individuals in evaluation of masticatory movement, and detect even a slight disorder in the stomatognathic system. In this study, the Sirognathograph(R) Analysing System was used to record and analyse mandibular movement with the test
capsule and seven foods. In terms of total examination of the chewing rhythm, the test
capsule showed a higher SX/SY ratio of chewing cycle duration (SX: variance between individuals, SY: variance between chewing loops of each person) than those of the comparative foods, excluding
chewing gum. The coefficient of variation of the test
capsule in the dimensions of the chewing path was lower than those of the comparative foods. Reverse and crossover patterns in
chewing gum have been frequently observed in subjects with
craniomandibular disorders. Subjects with a low frequency of such patterns in
chewing gum tended to have a low frequency with the test
capsule as well. Those with a high frequency in
chewing gum tended to show such patterns with the test
capsule more frequently.