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Objective: To compare masticatory muscle activity between people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF) and healthy controls and to verify whether craniocervical dysfunction is associated with the presence of CF., Methods: Fifty-six participants were assessed and divided into pwCF and healthy control (HC) groups, each one composed of 13 children and adolescents at 9 (SD 3) years old and 15 adults at 25 (SD 6) years old. Craniocervical Dysfunction Index assessed symptoms of dysfunction and cervical spine mobility. Electromyography was used to evaluate the jaw and neck muscle activity during chewing., Results: Muscle activity during chewing was not statistically different between groups. Prevalence of craniocervical dysfunction was 75% for pwCF vs 64% for healthy controls. Individuals with CF are 1.53 [1.260, 1.870] times more likely to have reduced cervical mobility compared to healthy controls ( p = 0.000)., Conclusion: These results reinforce the need for musculoskeletal disorders treatment in the management of pwCF.

Objective: To investigate whether children with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) have altered control of masticatory muscles., Methods: The muscular activity of 66 children with CLP (n = 33) and without CLP (n = 33), aged 6-12 years was assessed during different tasks (rest, isometry, mastication) using electromyography., Results: The activation for the analyzed muscles was higher in children with CLP at rest (R) and inactive period (IP) (p < 0.05). The muscles of children with CLP remained active for longer than those without CLP (p < 0.05), and the length of the masticatory cycle was higher in children with CLP (p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Children with CLP have longer muscle activation and increased cycle time during the chewing cycle, which might be a consequence of malocclusion, resulting in difficulty chewing.