Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
Coordinate Mapping of Hyolaryngeal Mechanics in Swallowing
Published on: May 6, 2014
Surface Electromyographic Analysis of the Suprahyoid Muscles in Infants Based on Lingual Frenulum Attachment during
Ellia Christinne Lima França1, Lucas Carvalho Aragão Albuquerque2, Roberta Lopes Castro Martinelli3
1Medical School, Graduate Programme in Health Sciences, Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás 38177, Brazil.
Insights
Surface electromyography effectively identifies infant oral motor dysfunctions caused by lingual frenulum issues. Specific attachment points correlate with altered suprahyoid muscle electrical activity during breastfeeding.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Speech-Language Pathology
Background:
- Oral motor dysfunctions can impair infant feeding.
- Altered lingual frenulum attachment is a potential cause of these dysfunctions.
- Muscle electrical activity analysis offers a method for objective assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze suprahyoid muscle electrical activity in infants using surface electromyography.
- To investigate the relationship between lingual frenulum attachment points and muscle activity during breastfeeding.
- To determine the efficacy of surface electromyography in diagnosing lingual frenulum-related oral motor dysfunctions.
Main Methods:
- Surface electromyography was used to record suprahyoid muscle electrical activity in 235 full-term infants (1-4 months old).
- Muscle activity was measured in microvolts and converted to percent values.
- Statistical analysis included one-way ANOVA and Student's t-test to assess associations.
Main Results:
- Lower mean muscle electrical activity was observed with lingual frenulum attachment at the apex/lower alveolar ridge and middle third/lower alveolar ridge.
- Greater suprahyoid muscle activity, indicating coordinated sucking, swallowing, and breathing, was associated with attachment to the middle third/sublingual caruncles.
- Distinct patterns of muscle activity were linked to different lingual frenulum attachment points.
Conclusions:
- Surface electromyography is effective for diagnosing lingual frenulum alterations.
- Lingual frenulum attachment points can restrict tongue mobility, leading to oral motor dysfunctions.
- This technique aids in identifying feeding impairments in infants.
Abstract:
Muscle electrical activity analysis can aid in the identification of oral motor dysfunctions, such as those resulting from an altered lingual frenulum, which consequently impairs feeding. Here, we aim to analyze the suprahyoid muscle electrical activity of infants via surface electromyography, based on lingual frenulum attachment to the sublingual aspect of the tongue and floor of the mouth during breastfeeding. In the present study, we have studied full-term infants of both genders, aged between 1 and 4 months old. The mean muscle activities were recorded in microvolts and converted into percent values of the reference value. Associations between the root mean square and independent variables were tested by one-way analysis of variance and Student's t-test, with a significance level of 5% and test power of 95%, respectively. We evaluated 235 infants. Lower mean muscle electrical activity was observed with the lingual frenulum attached to apex/lower alveolar ridge, followed by attachment to the middle third/lower alveolar ridge, and between the middle third and apex/lower alveolar ridge. Greater suprahyoid muscle activity was observed with lingual frenulum attachment to the middle third of the tongue/sublingual caruncles, showing a coordination between swallowing, sucking, and breathing. Surface electromyography is effective in diagnosing lingual frenulum alterations, the attachment points of which raises doubt concerning the restriction of tongue mobility. Thus, it is possible to identify oral motor dysfunctions.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Muscles of the Anterior Neck
01:12The Hyoid Bone
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
01:14Muscles for Facial Expressions
01:30Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
01:19Muscles that Move the Head
The bilateral sternocleidomastoid, or SCM, and the suprahyoid and infrahyoid muscles are significant head flexors. The SCM muscles originate at the sternum and clavicle and attach to the mastoid process of the temporal bone. The SCM contracts bilaterally to bend the head forward, whereas...