Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
07:20

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Action Observation Training in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Published on: August 9, 2024

Changes in masticatory muscle activity in children with cerebral palsy

Marianne Briesemeister1, Kelly Cristine Schmidt, Lilian Gerdi Kittel Ries

  • 1Center of Health Sciences and Sport, Santa Catarina State University, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.

Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology : Official Journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology
|October 16, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) exhibit altered chewing muscle activation, showing increased muscle activity and coordination difficulties during mastication compared to typically developing children.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Cerebral palsy (CP) can affect motor control, potentially impacting complex functions like mastication.
  • Abnormalities in jaw muscle function may influence nutritional intake and overall health in children with CP.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in bilateral masseter and temporal muscle activation during mastication in children with CP.
  • To compare muscle activity patterns between children with CP and those with typical development (TD).

Main Methods:

  • Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to assess muscle activity.
  • 32 children (7–13 years) performed non-habitual mastication tasks.
  • Analysis focused on muscle amplitude, active period duration, and coordination.

Main Results:

  • Children with CP showed greater muscle amplitude in both inactive and active periods compared to TD children.
  • Individual muscle active periods (Right Masseter, Right Temporal) were shorter in CP.
  • Overall active period duration was longer in CP, with greater variability in muscle inactivation.

Conclusions:

  • Children with CP demonstrate impaired masticatory muscle coordination.
  • Increased muscle activity and altered timing suggest difficulties in regulating jaw movements during chewing.
  • These findings highlight potential challenges in mastication for children with CP.

More Related Videos

In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue06:59

In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue

Published on: July 6, 2017

Event-related Potentials During Target-response Tasks to Study Cognitive Processes of Upper Limb Use in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy08:26

Event-related Potentials During Target-response Tasks to Study Cognitive Processes of Upper Limb Use in Children with Unilateral Cerebral Palsy

Published on: January 11, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Alterations in Muscle Tone ll01:12

Alterations in Muscle Tone ll

Alterations in muscle tone are common manifestations of neurological disorders and reflect dysfunction within different nervous system regions. Spasticity, paratonia, and dystonia represent distinct forms of hypertonia, each with unique mechanisms, clinical features, and diagnostic importance.CharacteristicsSpasticity happens from upper motor neuron lesions and is characterized by velocity-dependent resistance to passive movement. Clinical features include:Exaggerated deep tendon reflexesClonus...
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll01:11

Alterations in Muscle Tone lll

Rigidity and myotonia are distinct abnormalities of muscle tone that affect resistance and relaxation during movement. Although both involve altered muscle contraction, they arise from different neurological and muscular mechanisms.CharacteristicsRigidity is characterized by uniform resistance to passive movement across the entire range, independent of speed, affecting flexors and extensors equally. It may appear as lead-pipe rigidity (smooth, constant resistance) or cogwheel rigidity...