Difference between Right and Left Facial Surface Electromyography in Healthy People

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Physiology

Background:

• Facial muscle function is crucial for communication and expression.
• Understanding normative facial surface electromyography (sEMG) values is essential for clinical diagnosis.
• Variations in sEMG may exist based on muscle, age, and sex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate differences in facial sEMG values among healthy individuals.
• To analyze these differences based on specific facial muscles, age groups, and sex.

Main Methods:

• sEMG measurements were taken from 154 healthy participants (70 males, 84 females, aged 20-70).
• The ratio of lower to higher electromyography values (R-LV/HV) and asymmetry index (AI) were calculated using root mean square (RMS).
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare values across muscles, age, and sex.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in R-LV/HV and AI were observed across the frontalis, zygomaticus, and orbicularis oris muscles.
• Average R-LV/HV values ranged from 73.74% to 81.70%, and AI values ranged from 10.87% to 16.71%.
• No statistically significant differences in R-LV/HV or AI were found concerning age or sex.

Conclusions:

• This study establishes normative facial sEMG data for key facial muscles in a healthy adult population.
• The findings highlight muscle-specific variations in facial sEMG.
• This data serves as a foundation for future diagnostic applications, particularly for facial nerve palsy.