Shu X, Fan Y, Leung K C M, Lo E C M. Masticatory function of stroke patients: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Gerodontology 2022; DOI: 10.1111/ger.12653. Online ahead of print.

Stroke patients have lower maximum bite force and masticatory performance than healthy people.

This systematic review and meta-analysis summarised the current information on the masticatory function of stroke patients. Four electronic databases were searched for relevant observational studies and clinical trials on the masticatory function of stroke patients. Meta-analysis was conducted for the comparison of bite force and masticatory performance using standardised mean difference (SMD). Of the 3,837 records identified, nine studies, corresponding to 302 participants, were included. The maximum bite force of stroke patients was significantly lower than that of the healthy individuals. There was no significant difference between the ipsi-lesional and the contra-lesional sides of the same stroke patient. Stroke patients had lower masticatory performance than healthy people, and the contra-lesional side was worse than the ipsi-lesional side. Electromyographic analysis indicated that muscle activation of stroke patients was poorer than the healthy individuals, and stroke patients seem to exhibit dysfunction in the recruiting and firing of motor units.