The amplitude distribution of electromyographic activity in painful masseter muscles during unilateral chewing

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the amplitude distribution of electromyographic activity (EMG) in terms of muscular load revealed any differences between patients with painful masseter muscles and referents during the chewing of an almond and of gum. The relative masticatory forces of the masseter muscle and the anterior temporal muscle during chewing were calculated by a transformation of the muscular load levels of EMG activity (microV) to load levels of relative masticatory force (%RVC). This was done by regression in reverse of an isometric reference voluntary contraction (RVC) for EMG versus bite force biting on a bite-force sensor. The maximal bite-force values for patients and referents were similar. The relative masticatory force for chewing an almond was higher than that for gum-chewing. The peaks of the relative masticatory forces were similar for both patients and referents. During the chewing of an almond the relative masticatory forces of the masseter muscle below the peak load were higher for patients than referents. During gum-chewing the patients used higher forces than referents for 70% of the total chewing time analysed. This also applied to the anterior temporal muscle when chewing an almond. Estimates of the peak masticatory forces were calculated in newtons.