Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Rodent Model of Masseter Volumetric Muscle Loss for Studying Bioengineering Materials
Published on: May 31, 2024
Relationship between depression and masticatory muscles function in a group of adolescents
Anna Stocka1, Teresa Sierpinska1,2, Joanna Kuc1
1a Department of Prosthetic Dentistry , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland.
Objective:
The aim of the study is to determine association between depressive symptoms and the electrical activity of muscles in maximum voluntary clench in a group of young adults.
Methods:
A total of 186 volunteers (Females = 98, Males = 88), with a mean age of 19 years, were recruited to the study. All participants took a questionnaire survey stating the level of depression (Beck's scale), clinical examination, and instrumental diagnostics (EMG).
Results:
Symptoms of mild or medium depression were found in 35 of the subjects (18.82%). Average electric potentials of the masticatory muscles in maximal voluntary clench were significantly higher among the subjects with depression symptoms in comparison with subjects without those symptoms (85.96 ± 10.25 vs 78.97 ± 15.32, p < . 0.05).
Discussion:
An increase in the electrical potentials of masseter muscles in maximal voluntary clench was found in the group with depression symptoms. The study should be continued to confirm this finding.
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depression: Overview
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Bulimia Nervosa
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...

