Surface EMG of the Masticatory Muscles (Part 2): Fatigue Testing, Mastication Analysis and Influence of Different Factors

The second part of this review of the literature on the clinical significance of surface electromyography (EMG) of the masticatory muscles systematically examines the results of clinical studies in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), preferably randomized controlled trials, investigating relevant aspects of EMG activity during prolonged chewing activity (fatigue effects), during the mastication process, and under the influence of different factors. Studies on the influence of factors such as gender, age, tooth status, orofacial morphology and (acute) pain, the significance of different occlusal relationships during static and dynamic occlusion, and the impact of changes in static occlusion on EMG activity of the masticatory muscles were included in the review. Keywords: electromyography, review, chewing, masticatory muscles, fatigue, maximal voluntary contraction, symmetry, resting activity, splint therapy, oral rehabilitation