Bioelectric activity of mastication muscles and the functional impairment risk groups concerning the masticatory muscles

Temporomandibular disorders affect from 5 to 12 percent of the population, occurring almost twice as often in women than in men. The painful form of temporomandibular disorders is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders causing pain. The chronic form is associated with changes in activity of the masticatory muscles and can lead to sleep problems, reduction of emotional state and worsening of quality of life. Methods: 66 women were included in the study group. The study was composed of a clinical evaluation of temporomandibular disorders and assessment of the masticatory muscle activities using surface electromyography. The anterior part of the temporalis muscle and the superficial part of the masseter muscle were evaluated during teeth clenching on cotton rolls. The symmetric activity index was calculated from the results of electromyographic activity. Based on the activity and symmetric activity index values, subjects were qualified to the risk group of temporomandibular disorders. Results: Twenty people (30.3 percent) qualified for the temporomandibular disorders risk group. In the temporomandibular disorders risk group, the mean symmetric activity index value of the anterior part of the temporal muscle was 72.6 percent and the mean electromyographic activity was 143.94 microvolts. In the masseter muscle, the mean symmetric activity index value was 67.7 percent and the mean electromyographic activity was 155.33 microvolts. Conclusions: Temporomandibular disorders may develop in 30.3 percent of examined women. The research should be continued to determine the temporomandibular disorders risk group, which may enable for the appropriate prevention of the development of dysfunctions in the stomatognathic system.