Bite force and masseter muscle electromyographic activity during onset of an isometric clench in man

The surface electromyogram (EMG) of the masseter muscle and interocclusal force were recorded in six human subjects during fast and slow clenches. The simple linear force/EMG relation that applies for steady bite-force levels was inadequate to explain their relationship under conditions of changing force: a second component of force, its rate of change, was necessary. EMG/force equations for fast and slow clenches were broadly similar. The rate of change factor may account for the apparent EMG/force lag observed in earlier studies.