Portable and wearable electromyographic devices for the assessment of sleep bruxism and awake bruxism: A literature review

Objective The current state of portable/wearable electromyographic (EMG) devices for assessment of bruxism was reviewed. Methods A search of full-text articles relevant to portable/wearable EMG devices capable of being used at home was performed. The data source used was MEDLINE via PubMed from January 1970 to July 2019. Results There were nine kinds of wearable EMG devices capable of being used under unrestrained conditions. Ultra-miniaturized wearable EMG devices with a level of performance equivalent to that of conventional stationary EMG devices have been developed and are being used during sleep and in the daytime. The devices have a high level of diagnostic accuracy for sleep bruxism. A definite cut-off value for awake bruxism has not been established. Discussion Assessment of sleep bruxism with a high level of accuracy can be performed using a portable/wearable EMG device. However, a definite cut-off value is required for assessment of awake bruxism.

Automated summary

This article reviews the current state of portable/wearable EMG devices for assessment of bruxism. The results show that ultra-miniaturized wearable EMG devices with performance equivalent to conventional devices have been developed and used during sleep and in the daytime, with a high level of diagnostic accuracy for sleep bruxism. However, a definite cut-off value for awake bruxism has not been established.