Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy-An International Journal

Abstract

Aims and Objective: To compare the effect of gum chewing on masseter muscle in females with males by analyzing its electromyographic behaviour. Subjects: 60 young adults (30 females and 30 males) who do gum chewing took part in this study which was allotted to two groups: Group A- Females and Group B- Males.

Research Design: Comparative study

Methodology: The device used in this study is a single channel EMG. The subjects were given chewing gum and asked to chew gum at least one hour before coming for the study. All monitoring was performed with the patients in a sitting position. Two self-adhesive surface electrodes were utilized and placed on the midsubstance of muscle belly of right masseter muscle in line with muscle fibers. The EMG recording of masseter muscle was done at most comfortable position of jaw i.e., at rest position and the EMG activity was recorded after 30 seconds.

Data Analysis: Data are expressed as mean, standard deviation and 95% confidence interval. The independent t- test or Levene's test for equality of variances was used to determine the normal distribution of the variance (P < 0.05).

Results: The independent t-test indicates a significant increase in the motor activity of the masseter muscle in females than in males as t-test reveal statistically reliable difference between the mean number of POST TEST - A has (M = 2.171, s = 101.76) and that the POST TEST - B has (M = 1.62, s = 75.57), t(58) = 2.367, P = .05.

Conclusion: Electromyographic behaviour of the masseter muscle in individuals who do gum chewing is found to be significantly increased in females than in males. This can result in the development of the signs and symptoms of the temporomandibular disorders. Therefore, it can be concluded from the present study that one should avoid gum chewing especially females on the regular basis so as to prevent their jaw from the risk of developing TMD at an early age.

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