Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription Access
Open Access Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Restricted Access Subscription Access

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
     

   Subscribe/Renew Journal


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
Subscription Login to verify subscription
User
Notifications
Font Size


  • M. Koutris et al: Effects of intense chewing exercises on the masticatory sensory-motor system. JDR 2009; vol.88 (7), pg.658-662.

  • Paul Ingraham: Massage therapy for Bruxism, jaw clenching and TMJ syndrome, 2010.

  • John S.Dupont, Christopher E. Brown: Masseter tenomyositis, The J. cranio. Prac.2009/July.

  • Temporomandibular joint syndrome: chew on this: your jaw joint can be a source of painful arthritis. Arthritis today 2007/july-aug.

  • Renata Cunha Matheus Rodriques Garcia: Influence of female hormonal fluctuation on maximum bite force and masticatory efficiencycomparison between subjects with and without temporomandibular disorder. Virtual library 2008/july 08/03106-6, 01.

  • Robert P Sheon, MD: Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. Uptodate 2012/Jan.

  • http://www.ehow.com/list_6457095_effectsexcessive- gum-chewing.html (Gail Sessons: The effects of excessive gum chewing).

  • http://www.askmen.com/sports/foodcourt/ foodcourt11.html (Health and sports: Lose weight by chewing gum).

  • National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial research: TMJ & Muscle disorders 2010/March, pub no. 10-3487.

  • De Rossi SS, Stoopler ET, Sollecito TP: Temporomandiblar disorders and migraine headaches: co-morbid conditions? The internet journal of dental sciences 2005; vol.2, no.1.

  • H. Karibel, G. Goddard, R.W Gear (2003): Sex differences in masticatory muscle pain after chewing. JDR 2003/Feb, vol.82, no. 2112-116.

  • A. Gavish, M. Halachmi, E. Winocur and E. Gazit: Oral habits and their association with the signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorders in adolescent girls. J. oral rehab. 2010; vol.27, 22-32.

  • Regiane Cristina Mendonca et al: Electromyographic assessment of chewing induced fatigue in TMD patients- a pilot study. Braz. J.oral sci. 2005/oct-dec, vol.4, no.15.

  • Macarena Venegas et al: Clenching and grinding: Effect on masseter and sternocleidomastoid electromyographic activity in healthy subjects. J. Cranio. Prac.2009/july.

  • Dahlstrom L: Electromyographic studies of cranimandibular disorders- a review of the literature. J. oral rehabil 1989/Jan, vol.16 (1), pg.1-20.

  • Selma Seissere et al: Electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in women with osteoporosis. Braz Dent. J. 2009; vol.20, no.3.

  • Robert H. Jebsen, Neal Taylor et al: An objective and standardized test of hand position. Archives of physical medicine & rehab 1969/June.

  • Marie- Agnes Peyron et al: Influence of age on adaptability of human mastication. J. neurophysio. 2004/Aug; vol.92 (2), pg.773-779.

  • Simona Tocco, Stefano Teta and Felice Festa : Electromyographic evaluation of masticatory, neck & trunk muscle activity in patients with posterior crossbites. European J. orthodontics, vol.32, issue.6, pg.747-752.

  • HD Adhikari et al: Electromyographic pattern of masticatory muscles in altered dentition-part II. J. conserv. dent. 2011; vol.14, issue.2, pg. 120-127.

  • Ray La Touche et al: The influence of craniomandibular posture on maximal mouth opening and pressure pain threshold in patients with myofascial temporomandibular pain disorders. Clinical journal of pain 2011/Jan, vol.27, no.1.

  • Paul Canavan and Jessica Capurso: Protocol for use of EMG and tactile biofeedback in treatment of temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain.

  • Timothy S. Miles, Andrew V. Poliakov and Michael A. Nordstrom: Responses of human masseter motor unit to stretch. The journal of physiology 1995/Feb, vol.483, pg.251-264.

  • Claudia Maria de felicio et al: Reliability of masticatory efficiency with beads and correlational with the muscle activity. Pro-Fono R. Atual. Cient 2008; vol.20, no.4, 225-30, oct/dec.

  • William C. Sheil Jr. MD, FACP, FACR: Temporomandibular joint disorder.


Abstract Views: 652

PDF Views: 0




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

Abstract Views: 652  |  PDF Views: 0

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