Introduction to EMG

Name: Kyle Losef

Group Names: Jef, Peter, Kappers
Table 1
Condition

Interval

Table 1
Minimum mV

Jaw
Clenching

0-5 s
5-10 s

1.2
.58

Maximum
mV
1.27
1.83

mV

Chewing soft
object
( replace)

0-5 s
Chewing
interval

.63
.33

1.7
1.7

1.07
1.37

Chewing
hard object
( replace)

0-5 s
Chewing
interval

.56
.20

1.75
2.14

1.19
1.94

Chewing
medium
object
( replace)

0-5 s
Chewing
interval

.33
.29

1.82
1.97

1.49
1.68

.07
1.25

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.
1. Combos 2. Gum 3. Marshmallow
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?
No, the trends are all generally the same for all the cases.
3. Compare rates of chewing within your lab group/class. Are there significant differences?
No, class wide the rates are all similar but differ a little because of the different test
subjects
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?
He should try and eat softer foods to avoid clenching his jaw and having to work so
hard to break down his 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?

The performers should practice jaw clenching and practice holding weights in their
mouth until they reach the desired amount of weight
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?
To prevent jaw clenching, the kid should wear a mouth piece to bed