Prediction of different mandibular activities by EMG signal levels

Effect of two fascial incision options for access to the temporomandibular joint on facial nerve function: objective investigation

This study was performed to compare the effects on facial nerve (FN) function of the deep supra-temporalis muscle subfascial approach (DSFA) and traditional fascial approach (TFA) for access to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), via qualitative and quantitative evaluations. Thirty patients requiring open TMJ surgery were randomly allocated to one of two groups: group A patients underwent the DSFA approach, while group B patients underwent the TFA approach. The TMJ was accessed via modified endaural incision with temporal extension. Clinical examinations, FN conduction tests, and electromyography (EMG) of the frontalis and orbicularis oculi muscles were used to assess FN function. A FN function deficit was noted in 50% of the whole sample population immediately after surgery, with no statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.082). Overall, 37.5% of the total study population experienced temporary loss of frontalis muscle activity, while zygomatic nerve injury was seen only in 25% of group A. Within 2-6 months, normal function returned in both groups. Nerve conduction studies showed no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of nerve amplitude or latency after surgery. However, EMG of orbicularis oculi activity showed a significant difference between the groups after 6 months (P = 0.010). The results suggest that the traditional dissection approach is more protective of the FN, especially the zygomatic branch, than the deeper dissection technique.

Body posture changes in women with migraine with or without temporomandibular disorders

Background

Migraine and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) are reported to be associated. However, there are no reports on the association among migraines, TMDs and changes in body posture.

Objectives

To assess changes in body posture in women suffering migraines with or without TMD compared with a control group.

Method

Sixty-six women with a mean age of 18 to 45 years participated in this study. The groups were composed of 22 volunteers with migraine and TMD (MTMD), 22 volunteers with migraines without TMD (MG) and 22 women in the control group (CG). Static posture was assessed by photogrammetry, and 19 angles were measured.

Results

Postural asymmetry was observed in the face for 4 angles measured on the frontal plane in the MG group and for 4 angles of the trunk in the MG and MTMD groups with respect to CG. However, for comparisons between MTMD and CG, clinical relevance was identified for two angles of the sagittal plane (Cervical and Lumbar Lordosis, Effect Size - ES - moderate: 0.53 and 0.60). For comparisons between the MG and CG, the clinical relevance/potential was verified for three angles with moderate ES (ES>0.42). The clinical relevance when comparing MTMD and CG was identified for four angles of facial symmetry head inclination (ES>0.54) and for two angles between MG and CG (ES>0.48).

Conclusion

The results demonstrated the presence of postural changes compared with a control group in women with migraines with or without TMD, and there were similar clinically relevant postural changes among the patients with migraines with and without TMD.

Eletromiografia de superfície do músculo masseter durante a mastigação: uma revisão sistemática

A mastigação, ato complexo controlado pelo sistema nervoso central, é uma das funções mais importantes do Sistema Estomatognático. Durante esse ato a atividade elétrica da musculatura mastigatória pode ser quantificada por meio da eletromiografia de superfície. Com o objetivo de revisar sistematicamente na literatura os métodos e alimentos mais utilizados na EMGS do músculo masseter durante a mastigação, foi realizada uma busca nas bases de dados SciELO-Brasil, Lilacs e Medline/Pubmed no período de setembro a outubro de 2009. Foram incluídos os estudos de base populacional e excluídos os estudos de revisão sem definição metodológica delineada e estudos realizados com crianças, adolescentes e idosos. Foram encontrados 657 artigos no cruzamento dos seguintes descritores e seus correspondentes em inglês: mastigação and eletromiografia and músculo masseter, dos quais 12 deles foram selecionados. Verificou-se que os métodos envolvidos na execução da eletromiografia de superfície do músculo masseter, durante a mastigação, apresentam variações de acordo com cada autor, não havendo padronização de um alimento específico para execução do exame.

Quality of reporting masticatory muscle electromyography in 2004: a systematic review

This study evaluated the quality of reporting electromyography in studies evaluating the masticatory muscles published during 2004. Several electronic databases were searched. Abstracts and later articles were selected by a consensus from the five reviewers. An adaptation of the methodological checklist published by the International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology (ISEK) was used. The following information regarding electrodes was reported on the 35 finally selected articles: location (94.3%), interelectrode distance (48.6%), and material (42.9%); detection and amplification: amplification type (54.3%), gain (25.7%), low high pass filters (60%) and cut-off frequencies (60%); electromyography (EMG) processing: sampling rate (74.2%), rectification (46.6%), root-mean square (RMS) (39.2%); number of bits and model of A/D card (17.1%); and normalization procedure (40%). Reasons for the poor reporting are discussed. Because of the general poor quality of reporting of the analysed studies, findings of studies using surface electromyography of masticatory muscles should be interpreted with caution.