Abstract
Purpose : The aim of this study was to investigate the EMG biofeedback threshold suitable for patients having masticatory muscle pain due to clenching behavior.
Materials and Methods : EMGs from the unilateral anterior area of the temporal muscle in 18 subjects suffering masticatory muscle pain or stiffness were recorded by a one-channel portable EMG biofeedback apparatus.
Results : Sixteen of the subjects (88.8%) were found to have valid thresholds. The threshold of 30% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) EMG level for 2s provided the highest accuracy rate at 81.3%.
Conclusion : EMG biofeedback training with the threshold utilizing combined EMG amplitude and burst duration is thought to be useful as a therapeutic strategy for patients with clenching behavior.
