Surface electromyography in the assessment of jaw elevator muscles

Authors: CASTROFLORIO, T.¹; BRACCO, P.¹; FARINA, D.²

Source: Journal of Oral Rehabilitation, Volume 35, Number 8, August 2008 , pp. 638-645(8)

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Abstract:

Summary

Surface electromyography (EMG) allows the non-invasive investigation of the bioelectrical phenomena of muscular contraction. The clinical application of surface EMG recordings has been long debated. This paper reviews the main limitations and the current applications of the surface EMG in the investigation of jaw elevator muscles. Methodological factors associated with the recording of the surface EMG may reduce the reliability and sensitivity of this technique and may have been the cause of controversial results reported in different studies. Despite these problems, several clinical applications of surface EMG in jaw muscles are promising. Moreover, technological advances in signal detection and processing have improved the quality of the information extracted from the surface EMG and furthered our understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the stomatognathic apparatus.

Keywords: jaw elevator muscles; surface electromyography; motor unit

Document Type: Review article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2842.2008.01864.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Specialization School of Orthodontics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy 2: Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark

Publication date: 2008-08-01