Introduction to EMG

Group Names

Name

Table 1
Condition

Interval

Table 1
Minimum mV

Jaw
Clenching

0-5 s
5-10 s

1.00
0.95

Maximum
mV
1.07
1.15

mV

Chewing soft
object
( Granola
Bar)

0-5 s
Chewing
interval

.98
.82

1.04
1.22

.06
.4

Chewing
hard object
( Carrot)

0-5 s
Chewing
interval

.99
.77

1.12
1.32

.13
.55

Chewing
medium
object
( Spinach)

0-5 s
Chewing
interval

.99
.77

1.03
1.28

.04
.51

.07
.2

Import graphs with descriptions

DATA ANALYSIS
1. Rank, in order (from greatest to least), the amplitude of EMG electrical activity for each of
the items tested: carrot, egg, chewing gum.
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?
3. Compare rates of chewing within your lab group/class. Are there significant differences?
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?
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?
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?
1.) 1. Carrot 2. Spinach

3. Granola Bar

2.) Yes, the harder the foods (such as the carrots) had much more spikes tham the softer foods.

4.) Peoplle with TMD should eat softer foods to decrease the frequency of the
forceand the amount of force needed at the peak
5.) If performers constantly chewed hard food their jaw would become accustomed
to the large forces required to chew and strengthen their mandible muscles. This
would allow their jaws to sustain greater force when biting.

6.) Chewing gum or other soft foods could help prevent consatnt jaw clench

Relaxed: Min: 1.00 Max: 1.07

Clenched: Min: 0.95
Carrot:

Max: 1.15

Spinach:

Granola Bar: