Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

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A Study of Electromyographic Activity of Masseter Muscle After Gum Chewing in Young Adults


Affiliations
1 Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Physiotherapy (Maa Anandmai marg, Chandiwala estate, Kalkaji, New Delhi, India
     

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Background: Habitual gum chewing is considered as one of the causes which can lead to the development of Temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Previous studies have compared the effect of chewing induced masticatory muscle pain in females and males using different methods but this study compares the electromyographic behaviour of masseter muscle in females with males who do gum chewing.

Aims and Objective: To compare the effect of gum chewing on masseter muscle in females with males by analyzing its electromyographic behaviour. Subjects: 60 young adults (30 females and 30 males) who do gum chewing took part in this study which was allotted to two groups: Group A- Females and Group B- Males.

Research Design: Comparative study

Methodology: The device used in this study is a single channel EMG. The subjects were given chewing gum and asked to chew gum at least one hour before coming for the study. All monitoring was performed with the patients in a sitting position. Two self-adhesive surface electrodes were utilized and placed on the midsubstance of muscle belly of right masseter muscle in line with muscle fibers. The EMG recording of masseter muscle was done at most comfortable position of jaw i.e., at rest position and the EMG activity was recorded after 30 seconds.

Data Analysis: Data are expressed as mean, standard deviation and 95% confidence interval. The independent t- test or Levene's test for equality of variances was used to determine the normal distribution of the variance (P < 0.05).

Results: The independent t-test indicates a significant increase in the motor activity of the masseter muscle in females than in males as t-test reveal statistically reliable difference between the mean number of POST TEST - A has (M = 2.171, s = 101.76) and that the POST TEST - B has (M = 1.62, s = 75.57), t(58) = 2.367, P = .05.

Conclusion: Electromyographic behaviour of the masseter muscle in individuals who do gum chewing is found to be significantly increased in females than in males. This can result in the development of the signs and symptoms of the temporomandibular disorders. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present study that one should avoid gum chewing especially females on the regular basis so as to prevent their jaw from the risk of developing TMD at an early age.


Keywords

Electromyography, Mastication, Muscle fatigue, Chewing
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  • A Study of Electromyographic Activity of Masseter Muscle After Gum Chewing in Young Adults

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Authors

Preeti Baghel
Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Physiotherapy (Maa Anandmai marg, Chandiwala estate, Kalkaji, New Delhi, India
Nidhi Kalra
Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Physiotherapy (Maa Anandmai marg, Chandiwala estate, Kalkaji, New Delhi, India
Sumit Kalra
Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute of Physiotherapy (Maa Anandmai marg, Chandiwala estate, Kalkaji, New Delhi, India

Abstract


Background: Habitual gum chewing is considered as one of the causes which can lead to the development of Temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Previous studies have compared the effect of chewing induced masticatory muscle pain in females and males using different methods but this study compares the electromyographic behaviour of masseter muscle in females with males who do gum chewing.

Aims and Objective: To compare the effect of gum chewing on masseter muscle in females with males by analyzing its electromyographic behaviour. Subjects: 60 young adults (30 females and 30 males) who do gum chewing took part in this study which was allotted to two groups: Group A- Females and Group B- Males.

Research Design: Comparative study

Methodology: The device used in this study is a single channel EMG. The subjects were given chewing gum and asked to chew gum at least one hour before coming for the study. All monitoring was performed with the patients in a sitting position. Two self-adhesive surface electrodes were utilized and placed on the midsubstance of muscle belly of right masseter muscle in line with muscle fibers. The EMG recording of masseter muscle was done at most comfortable position of jaw i.e., at rest position and the EMG activity was recorded after 30 seconds.

Data Analysis: Data are expressed as mean, standard deviation and 95% confidence interval. The independent t- test or Levene's test for equality of variances was used to determine the normal distribution of the variance (P < 0.05).

Results: The independent t-test indicates a significant increase in the motor activity of the masseter muscle in females than in males as t-test reveal statistically reliable difference between the mean number of POST TEST - A has (M = 2.171, s = 101.76) and that the POST TEST - B has (M = 1.62, s = 75.57), t(58) = 2.367, P = .05.

Conclusion: Electromyographic behaviour of the masseter muscle in individuals who do gum chewing is found to be significantly increased in females than in males. This can result in the development of the signs and symptoms of the temporomandibular disorders. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present study that one should avoid gum chewing especially females on the regular basis so as to prevent their jaw from the risk of developing TMD at an early age.


Keywords


Electromyography, Mastication, Muscle fatigue, Chewing

References