Masticatory Muscles Electromyography in Post-pubertal Females With Forward Head Posture and Temporomandibular Disorders

Electromyographic Activity of Masticatory Muscles in Post-pubertal Females With Forward Head Posture and Temporomandibular Disorders: An Observational Trial

The aim of this study was to evaluate masticatory muscle electrical activity in post-pubertal females with forward head posture (FHP) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) as well as in post-pubertal females with neutral head posture and with no temporomandibular disorders.

It has been demonstrated by a previous study that a strong relationship exists between forward head posture and temporomandibular disorders and that individuals with forward head posture and temporomandibular disorders exhibit alterations in masticatory muscle electromyographic activity either as a result of the disorder itself or due to a compensatory mechanism associated with the symptoms of temporomandibular disorders . As a consequence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the electromyographic activity of the masticatory muscles in post-pubertal females with forward head posture and temporomandibular disorders as well as in post-pubertal females with neutral head posture and with no temporomandibular disorders.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ranging from 17 to 22 years.
• Body mass index ranging from 18 to 25 kg/m2.
• Having a normal menstrual cycle.
• Spending four to six hours per day with bad posture on computer, laptop or smart phones.
• Fully dentate subjects.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having dental loss, acquired dental anomalies, current use of dental prostheses, malocclusion, sleep bruxism.
• Having inflammatory diseases of the face or jaw, fibromyalgia, or any fractures or surgeries in the orofacial or neck areas.