Wireless versus conventional standardized surface electromyography during clenching: Patient perception and data repeatability

The aim of this study was to compare patient perception and data repeatability of conventional and wireless standardized surface electromyography (ssEMG). The electromyographic recordings with both devices were collected at two timepoints (T1 and T2; mean interval 26 days). At T1, participants rated comfort, quickness, and stress on a 10-point Likert scale, with differences assessed using Student's t-test. Data repeatability was analyzed through a linear mixed model (LMM), testing the effects of device type and timepoint on EMG values. Repeatability of ssEMG indices across T1 and T2 was further examined with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). A final sample of 45 participants (37 women, mean age 22.8 ± 1.3 years) was included. Wireless ssEMG was rated significantly more comfortable and quicker. LMM revealed no statistically significant main effects for device (estimate 1.7, 95% CI -3.83 to 7.23) or for timepoint (estimate 0.11, 95% CI -5.41 to 5.64), indicating consistent performance across conditions. Despite moderate-to-good within- and between-device reliability (ICC), several indices showed considerable variability across measurements. Concluding, wireless ssEMG is preferred by patients due to their comfort and quickness. ssEMG indices demonstrate good repeatability across devices, but the substantial variability limits their diagnostic utility.