There is no consensus on the most appropriate method for normalizing electromyography (EMG) signals from masticatory muscles during isotonic activity. Aim To analyze the best method for data processing of the EMG signal of the masticatory muscles during isotonic activity (non-habitual chewing), comparing raw data and different types of normalization. Methods This is a cross-sectional study. Women aged between 18 and 45 years were selected. Anthropometric data were collected (age, height, body mass index – BMI, masticatory preference) as well as EMG signal (root mean square – RMS) data for the anterior temporal and masseter bilaterally, and for the suprahyoid muscles, during isotonic (non-habitual chewing) and isometric tasks. EMG data were processed offline using Matlab® Software. The normalization of the EMG signal was carried out using the 2nd masticatory cycle, chosen at random, of the 20 cycles collected, the maximum RMS value, and the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). To analyze the best method of data processing for the isotonic data, the coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated. Descriptive data analysis was adopted, using the mean and standard deviation. ANOVA with repeated measures was used to detect significant differences between the methods of normalization. Statistical significance was set at 5% (α<0.05). Results The final sample of this research was composed of 86 women. The volunteers presented an average age of 27.83±7.71 years and a mean BMI of 22.85±1.91 Kg/m2. Regarding masticatory preference, 73.25% reported the right side, and 26.75% the left side. Considering the comparison between the methods, the %CV measure of the 2nd cycle showed the lowest variation coefficient during biting for all the muscles from the raw data, RMS Max, and MVC (p=0.001, p=0.003, and p=0.001 respectively). Conclusion In conclusion, for non-habitual chewing activity, the results of this study recommend data processing using normalization with the second cycle during chewing.

Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is recognized for its high prevalence, presenting characteristic signs and symptoms. Cervical spine pain is present in 70% of diagnosed TMD cases. Aim To verify if women with TMD present changes in isometric muscle strength in the scapula elevation. Methods This is an observational, cross-sectional study. Thirty-five women, aged 22.89±2.04 years, were divided into the TMD group (TMDG), diagnosed with TMD according to the DC/TMD, and control group (CG), with asymptomatic individuals. The volunteers accessed a online link by the smartphone in order to answer questions on personal data, the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Masticatory preference. In all participants, evaluation of the force of the scapula elevation muscles was performed, using a load cell model MM-100 (Kratos® SP, Brazil). Data were analyzed descriptively using the maximum, mean, and standard deviation and a two-way ANCOVA test was applied for all variables. A significance level of 5% was considered. Results There were no statistically significant differences between the TMDG and CG for the maximal and mean muscle strength of scapular elevation. There were statistically significant differences in FAI (p <0.001*) between the CG and the TMDG. Conclusion Based on the results, it was not possible to confirm the hypothesis that women diagnosed with TMD present lower isometric strength during scapular elevation (right/left).