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EMG Indices in TMJ Disorder Patients: Insights From a Cross-Sectional Study
Junaid Ahmed1, Nandita Shenoy1, Anwesha Saha1
1Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India, manipal.edu.
International Journal of Dentistry
|July 14, 2026
Summary
Surface electromyography (sEMG) effectively identifies muscle dysfunction in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). This study correlated sEMG findings with chewing disability and TMD symptom severity, confirming its diagnostic utility.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dental Science
- Neuromuscular Science
Background:
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) represent a significant public health issue, primarily manifesting as masticatory muscle pain.
- Surface electromyography (sEMG) is increasingly recognized for its efficacy in diagnosing muscle dysfunctions linked to TMDs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the electrical activity of masticatory muscles using sEMG.
- To correlate muscle electrical activity with chewing disability and the severity of TMD signs and symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 28 TMD patients (22 women, 6 men) and a matched healthy control group.
- Performed electromyography (EMG) on masseter and temporalis muscles.
- Assessed TMD symptoms using visual analog scale (VAS), ProTMD multipart II questionnaire, and a chewing ability questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Significant differences (p < 0.001) were found between TMD patients and controls in chewing ability, TMD symptom severity, VAS scores, and mouth opening.
- sEMG revealed significant resting electrical activity in the left masseter and temporalis muscles of TMD patients.
- Chewing ability and TMD severity correlated significantly with sEMG findings.
Conclusions:
- The sEMG protocol, combined with chewing ability and TMD severity questionnaires, provides a valuable method for assessing patients with TMDs.
- This approach aids in understanding the impact of TMDs on the stomatognathic system.
