Masseter muscle fatigue in man objectively quantified by analysis of myoelectric signals

Localized muscle fatigue in the masseter muscle was studied with a method based on power spectrum analysis of myoelectric signals. Under the influence of fatiguing contractions, a gradual shift of the spectral curve occurred; the rate of change was taken as a measure of the development of fatigue. The fatigue was dependent on the bite force. The existence of a threshold value of force, below which significant myoelectric fatigue changes do not develop, was shown.