Understanding how jaw muscles sense movement and position
Official title: Quantitative model of jaw proprioception during active movements
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10928726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the sensors in the jaw help us move it, using rodent models to learn more about how our brain and muscles work together, which could help us understand movement issues better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $54,774 |
| NIH project number | 5F31DE033256-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10928726 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation or benefit from this research would include individuals with conditions affecting jaw movement or proprioception, such as temporomandibular joint disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no issues related to jaw movement or proprioception may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the jaw's proprioceptors, which are sensory receptors that provide feedback on muscle position and movement, function during active movements. By studying rodent models, the research aims to clarify the relationship between motor commands and the signals generated by muscle spindles in the jaw muscles. The project will utilize advanced techniques to measure muscle spindle activity and its interaction with motor commands, providing insights into the mechanisms of proprioception. This could lead to a better understanding of fine motor control and its implications for various conditions affecting movement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of motor control, potentially leading to improved treatments for conditions that affect jaw movement and coordination.
How similar studies have gone: While proprioception research is ongoing, this specific approach using rodent models to explore jaw muscle spindle activity in relation to motor commands is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Jeong Jun — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Jeong Jun
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.