Method for identification and classification of single motor unit potentials in diagnostic electromyography

Abstract

It is important to have an objective method for recording jaw muscle capacity such as EMG before, during and after treatment of muscle dysfunction and also for oral rehabilitation with dentures, implants or other types of restorations. Because measurements of motor unit potentials (MUPs) are needed in several areas of EMG analysis, algorithms have been developed in our laboratory for use in a small computer-aided system for semi-automatic detection and pattern recognition of MUPs. Based upon the test recordings it is suggested that a characteristic 'maximal voltage increase per microsecond during the spike-phase' can be used as a supplement to the more generally used parameter 'rise-time'. Examples are given of how the programs can be useful in the study of the functional anatomy of jaw muscles by recording normative values for MUPs and their recruitment patterns.