Introduction to EMG

Jack

Name Chandler, Panayotis,

Table 1
Condition
Jaw Clenching
Chewing soft
object ( replace)

Interval
0-5 s
5-10 s
0-5 s
Chewing interval

Minimum mV
0.3355
0.3319
0.2064
0.009706

Maximum mV
2.196
2.222
2.449
3.021

Chewing hard
object ( replace)

0-5 s
Chewing interval

0.7498
0.7498

1.035
1.343

Chewing medium
object ( replace)

0-5 s
Chewing interval

0.09079
0.09079

3.298
4.093

Control jaw Clench

Soft Chew

Medium Chew

Hard Chew

DATA ANALYSIS
1. Rank, in order (from greatest to least), the amplitude of EMG electrical activity for each
of the items tested: Reese Cup, Gum, Heath Bar
Heath Bar, Gum, Reeses Cup

2. Compare the frequency of muscle activation during mastication (chewing) of the three
food items tested. Is there a significant difference in the number of similar spikes generated
during a 5 s interval of data collection for each of the items tested?
The chewing for the Heath Bar had the more frequency, then the gum then the Reeses
Cup. The Heath Bar required more energy because it is so hard when you chew it.
3. Compare rates of chewing within your lab group/class. Are there significant differences?
No significant difference in the testing between the chewing in the group, no radical
difference.
4. On the basis of the findings in this experiment what recommendation would you make to
a friend with a temporomandibular disorder (TMD) regarding his/her food choices?
Stick to softer foods, but make sure to purposely slow down the rate of chewing food.
5. The Iron Jaw Trick is a popular circus act in which a performer (or two performers)
hang from a trapeze by his/her teeth. What exercises might someone do to strengthen the
masseter muscles of the jaw so that a trick of this type could be performed successfully?
Constant jaw clenches and the chewing of hard objects.
6. Chronic headaches and temperomandibular disorders (TMD) may be the result of
unconscious clenching of the jaw. What are some ways to reduce/prevent jaw clenching?
Use a mouth-guard.