Objective: To verify the characteristics of the electromyographic signal of masticatory muscles in individuals with TMD and asymptomatic individuals.
Methods: A systematic review was carried out, selecting cross-sectional studies with at least one electromyographic parameter (FM; iEMG; RMS) of the masticatory muscles (anterior temporal, bilateral masseter, and suprahyoid muscles) of individuals with TMD compared to asymptomatic individuals.
Results: This review identified 1656 titles, of which 30 articles were included in the final analysis. It was observed that the data referring to the pattern of activation of masticatory muscles in the rest, isometry, and isotonic conditions of individuals with TMD are heterogeneous. This fact may be related to variability in the methods and analyses applied in the studies.
Conclusion: Data referring to the pattern of activation of masticatory muscles in the rest and isometry conditions and in the mastication cycle of individuals with TMD and asymptomatic individuals are diverse.
Keywords: Temporomandibular joint; electromyography; temporomandibular disorder.