Patient-based experiences with the use of an ambulatory electromyographic device for the assessment of masticatory muscle activity during sleep

In situ quantitative assessment of food oral processing parameters: A review of feasible techniques and devices

Oral processing is a combination of various actions, the detailed description of which has always been the subject of relevant research. By means of imaging technology and sensory evaluation, more knowledge of oral processing have been accumulated. Presently, the advances in sensory technology have added quantitative parameters to the qualitative description of oral processing, which also enriched the specifics of each action. Previous studies have shown that oral processing includes lip closure, dental occlusion, masticatory muscles activity, tongue movement, and swallowing, whose processing contains rich information such as the movement of organ and the intensity of organ contacts. "Quantification" was taken in this review as the basic feature of in situ detection information, the relevant parameters and feasible methods for the quantitative description of each activity was recorded in detail. In addition, basic problems and feasible optimization schemes of the existing in situ detection device are also proposed in the hope of promoting the development of in situ detection device thus providing available information for the description of oral processing.

Signal acquisition and analysis of ambulatory electromyographic recordings for the assessment of sleep bruxism: A scoping review

Background

Ambulatory electromyographic (EMG) devices are increasingly being used in sleep bruxism studies. EMG signal acquisition, analysis and scoring methods vary between studies. This may impact comparability of studies and the assessment of sleep bruxism in patients.

Objectives

(a) To provide an overview of EMG signal acquisition and analysis methods of recordings from limited‐channel ambulatory EMG devices for the assessment of sleep bruxism; and (b) to provide an overview of outcome measures used in sleep bruxism literature utilising such devices.

Method

A scoping review of the literature was performed. Online databases PubMed and Semantics Scholar were searched for studies published in English until 7 October 2020. Data on five categories were extracted: recording hardware, recording logistics, signal acquisition, signal analysis and sleep bruxism outcomes.

Results

Seventy‐eight studies were included, published between 1977 and 2020. Recording hardware was generally well described. Reports of participant instructions in device handling and of dealing with failed recordings were often lacking. Basic elements of signal acquisition, for example amplifications factors, impedance and bandpass settings, and signal analysis, for example rectification, signal processing and additional filtering, were underreported. Extensive variability was found for thresholds used to characterise sleep bruxism events. Sleep bruxism outcomes varied, but typically represented frequency, duration and/or intensity of masticatory muscle activity (MMA).

Conclusion

Adequate and standardised reporting of recording procedures is highly recommended. In future studies utilising ambulatory EMG devices, the focus may need to shift from the concept of scoring sleep bruxism events to that of scoring the whole spectrum of MMA.

Effect of electrode characteristics on electromyographic activity of the masseter muscle

OBJECTIVES

The study investigated effects of electrode material, inter-electrode distance (IED), and conductive gel on electromyographic (EMG) activity recorded from the masseter muscle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

EMG was recorded unilaterally, as ten volunteers performed standardized oral tasks. Ag/AgCl and Ag coated with Au were the gel-based; Ag alloy coated with graphene, pure Ag coated with graphene and silver nanowire embedded electrodes were the gel-free materials tested. Ag/AgCl electrodes were tested at three different IEDs (i.e. 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm). An electrode relative performance index (ERPI) was defined and calculated for each of the standardized oral tasks that the volunteers performed. ERPI values obtained for the different oral tasks with different electrode materials and IEDs were compared using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA.

RESULTS

ERPI values were not significantly influenced by IED. However, for the electrode materials statistically significant differences were found in ERPI values for all oral tasks. Of the gel-free electrode materials tested, pure silver electrodes coated with graphene had the highest ERPI values followed by Ag alloy electrodes coated with graphene and silver nanowire embedded electrodes.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of the study, IED between 15 and 25 mm has a negligible effect on masseter muscle EMG. Graphene coated and silver nanowire embedded electrodes show promise as gel-free alternatives.

Patient-based experiences with the use of an ambulatory electromyographic device for the assessment of masticatory muscle activity during sleep

Background

It is important to know how easy or difficult it is to use an ambulatory electromyographic (EMG) device for sleep bruxism assessment, and how this might affect its future utilisation.

Objective

To explore the experience of individuals using an EMG device that pairs with a smartphone app, in order to detect factors that could facilitate and/or hamper its utilisation in future scientific research.

Methods

Fifteen adults were recruited in the Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction Clinic of the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA). Overnight recordings were performed in the home setting during one week. Time investment, feelings and thoughts, encountered difficulties and reasons for not using the device were assessed in a diary through open‐ended questions and 5‐point Likert scales. Content analysis of textual data was performed, and descriptives of quantitative data were calculated.

Results

Time investment was low (mean 10.2 minutes in the clinic, and 1.9 minutes per recording at home). Quantitative data showed an overall good experience (median of 4). Qualitative diary data showed that the desire to gain insight into one's masticatory muscle activity formed the main motivation to use the device. Device detachment and difficulty in using the app were the most prominent negative experiences.

Conclusion

The EMG device was well accepted for multiple overnight recordings. Curiosity for gaining insight into muscle activity was the most important factor that facilitated its use, and the app addressed this need. Device detachment and difficulties in using the app were the main factors that hampered its use.