Electromyographic studies of craniomandibular disorders: a review of the literature

Abstract

Craniomandibular disorders have been investigated from many points of view, structurally and functionally. To evaluate the behaviour of the masticatory muscles, electromyography (EMG) has been widely used and the studies have emanated from many different paradigms. The purpose of this paper is to review articles in which EMG has been used to study symptomatic subjects. Findings from sleep studies and basic laboratory studies seem to support the hypothesis of a correlation between masticatory muscle hyperactivity and symptoms. Experimentally induced stress studies consistently show an increased activity in symptomatic subjects. Investigations of motor pauses, the often lengthened silent period, are summarized and discussed. Several different treatment strategies, particularly splints and biofeedback, have been evaluated using EMG, indicating a normalization, but controlled outcome studies are sparse. The use of EMG has thus substantially increased our knowledge of dysfunction of the masticatory system.

Effect of conventional TENS on pain and electromyographic activity of masticatory muscles in TMD patients

“…According to some studies 3,13,17 , TMD subjects present increased electromyographic (EMG) activity of masticatory muscles with the jaw at rest, i. e., closed lips with no teeth contact, and lower level of clenching electric activation. Some authors 11,16,19 also reported that, during mastication, subjects with TMD present activity in jaw-closing muscles (masseter and temporal muscles) during the opening phase, when they should be relaxed.…”

Atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos temporal anterior e masseter em crianças respiradoras bucais e em respiradoras nasais

“…The electromyograph captures and amplifies action potentials of voluntary muscle contraction, providing additional diagnostic aid in evaluating neuromuscular system status 19 . Careful clinical examination is indispensable, and electromyography -if used judiciously -may assist in the comprehension of the electrical activity patterns of face and mastication muscles, providing care professionals with a more objective diagnosis and consequently a more effective approach to oral motor disorders.…”

The relationship of whiplash injury and temporomandibular disorders: a narrative literature review

“…Other findings already correlated with whiplash and TMD in research studies, such as balance and postural abnormalities, shoulder-neckheadache, stress and psychosocial factors, parafunctional and adaptive habits, central mediated pain factors, and others, should be included as potential variables or descriptors to be defined in whiplash/TMD populations. [43][44][45][46][47] Limitations This article should be used within the context of a narrative literature review with its inherent limitations. A systematic literature review uses a strict methodology to answer a specific research question with specific outcomes, whereas a narrative review is better suited in addressing a broader range of questions and provides a summary of findings.…”

“…Other indirect mechanisms may include postinjury stress, cervical postural changes, and postural imbalance. [43][44][45][46][47] These may be important considerations when evaluating and managing TMD.…”