This case-control study investigates fatigue induced by prolonged gum mastication in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study addresses two primary questions:
How does self-reported fatigue, measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS), change during sustained chewing? How do static and dynamic surface electromyographic (sEMG) parameters evolve over the same period? Participants with TMD will be compared with healthy controls to determine group differences in perceived fatigue and EMG responses.
All participants will undergo baseline EMG assessment, then chew sugar-free gum continuously for 3 minutes, alternating sides without rest. After each 3-minute interval, static and dynamic EMG recordings will be obtained and participants will rate their fatigue on the VAS. This cycle may be repeated up to six times (maximum 18 minutes). Participants are free to stop chewing at any time if fatigue becomes intolerable.
Age 19-35 years
Chewing-gum users, even occasional
Good general health
Good oral health
Non chewing gum users
History of neurological disorders
History of musculoskeletal diseases
History of facial or cervical injuries
The study population will consist of volunteer participants recruited from the undergraduate dentistry program and postgraduate specialty training programs at the University of Milan.
Case-control
Cross-sectional
Mastication of sugar-free chewing gum
Other interventionThe chewing task will last for a maximum of 18 minutes.
Self-reported (subjective) fatigue after prolonged sugar-free chewing gum mastication
Changes of static and dynamic surface electromyography (sEMG) parameters after prolonged mastication of sugar-free chewing gum
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