ABSTRACT
The present study aimed to evaluate the surface electromyography (sEMG) activity of the masseter
muscles in patients with a history of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) who received
orthodontic treatment. In total, 22 participants aged 18–35 years old were included in this study.
They were divided into the control group (patients without a history of TMJD [n = 11]) and the test
group (those with a history of TMJD [n = 11]). Each participant underwent sEMG of the right and
left masseter muscles at 5-s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Results showed that the TMJD
group had a lower sEMG activity of masseter muscles at MVC than the non-TMJD group. However, the
differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05, t-test). The Spearman’s correlation coefficient test
revealed a weak negative correlation between muscle activity on sEMG and history of TMJD (p > 0.05).
In conclusion, orthodontically treated patients in TMJD group have reduced masseter muscle activity
during MVC, compare to the non-TMJD group.
Masseter Muscle
;
Orthodontics
;
Electromyography
;
Temporomandibular Joint Disorders