This study analyzed the electrophysiological aspects of the voluntary control of the contractile activity of the masseter muscle studying a new variable, previously presented by our group. We conducted a comparative study among healthy volunteers and patients with temporomandibular disorders. We used an experimental system that included real time visual feedback to control the contractile effort of the masseter muscle. The time that each individual needed to control the trajectory of the motor activity was calculated for each electromyographic record. Coefficients of variation and standard deviations were different in the groups analyzed (p<0.01 and p = 0.02 respectively). We found a coefficient of variation greater than 0.936, which determines a 93.7% specificity. Additionally, a 60% sensitivity was verified. This new variable showed promising diagnostic potential, with high specificity. Sensitivity can be increased if more repetitions are conducted for each individual, so as to better analyze the impact of dispersion.
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