Activation pattern masticatory muscles in dysphonics woman.

Purpose: To evaluate the pattern of activation of the masticatory muscles in dysphonic women.

Methods: Seventeen women was divided into two groups: experimental group with 10 dysphonic women (33.6 +/- 8.0) and control group with 7 healthy women (25 +/- 5,19). The Electromyography exam of the left (LM) and right (RM) masseter muscles, anterior portion of the right (RT) and left (LT) temporal, and suprahyoid (SH) was performed by using electrodes of simple distinguishing surface.

Results: With the mandible postural position at rest, all the muscles presented increased electromyography activity compared to the control group (p < 0.05). As for the mandible elevator muscles, the RM experimental group presented significantly decreased electromyography activity (p < 0, 05) and the SH increased (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. For the rest of the muscles, there was no significantly difference between the groups. It was verified that the experimental group presented higher co-contraction of the mandible depressed muscles in relation to contraction of the RT LT, RM and LM, as compared to the control group (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Dysphonic women present alteration of the activation patterns of the masticatory muscles.