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Correlation between bite force and electromyographic activity in dentate and partially edentulous individuals
L B Rosa1, M Semprini, S Siéssere
1School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo (USP), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.
Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|October 23, 2009
Summary
Dental absence significantly reduces maximal bite force and alters its correlation with muscle activity. This study highlights the impact of missing teeth on chewing function and neuromuscular control.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dental Science
- Kinesiology
Background:
- Dental absence disrupts masticatory system physiology, leading to occlusal and functional changes.
- Assessing maximal bite force and its electromyographic correlation is crucial for understanding masticatory function.
- Partially edentulous individuals present unique challenges in maintaining adequate bite force and muscle coordination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare maximal bite force between dentate and partially edentulous individuals.
- To investigate the correlation between maximal bite force and electromyographic (EMG) activity of masticatory muscles.
- To evaluate the influence of dental status on the relationship between bite force and muscle activation patterns.
Main Methods:
- Maximal bite force measured using an oral dynamometer (up to 1000N) in molar and incisor regions.
- Simultaneous electromyography (EMG) recorded from masseter and temporalis muscles using Myosystem-Br1.
- Statistical analysis included t-tests for group comparisons and Pearson's correlation for bite force-EMG relationships.
Main Results:
- Dentate individuals exhibited significantly greater maximal bite force across all measured regions.
- Positive correlations between bite force and EMG activity were observed in various muscles for dentate individuals.
- Partially edentulous individuals showed weaker and often negative correlations between bite force and EMG, particularly in the incisive region.
Conclusions:
- Dental loss profoundly impacts maximal bite force capacity.
- The relationship between bite force and electromyographic activity is diminished in partially edentulous subjects.
- Findings underscore the importance of preserving dentition for optimal masticatory function and neuromuscular integration.
