The Effect of Prolonged Sugar-Free Chewing Gum Mastication on Self-Reported Fatigue Levels and Changes of Static and Dynamic Surface Electromyography Parameters in Young Individuals With and Without Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.

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.