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Table 2 Quick reference simplified set of normative data for electric activity obtained by surface EMG for the masseter, submental group (SUB) and laryngeal strap muscles (INF) during various tests, in μV. [age range: normal range of voltage values]

From: Standardization of surface electromyography utilized to evaluate patients with dysphagia

Saliva swallow

   

Masseter range

18–30: 4.5 – 15.9

31–70: 5.54 – 12.1

70+: 2.94–22.42

SUB range

18–30: 13.4–59.72

31–70: 9.52 – 49.5

70+: 10.2–42.32

INF range

18–40: 2.0–4.5

41–70: 2.5–4.3

70+: 4.3–7.25

Normal swallow

   

Masseter range

18–60: 2.2–31.0

61–70: 1.97 – 27.69

70+: 3.77–20.0

SUB range

18–30: 11.4–63.41

31–50: 12.58–51.6

51–70+: 7.4 – 44.8

INF range

18–40: 2.85–6.3

41–70: 3.8–5.6

70+: 4.33–8.0

Excessive swallow

   

M asseter range

18–40:1.5–37.0

41–70: 1.2 – 29.4

70+: 4.65–21.13

SUB range

18–30: 19.28–50.80

31–70+: 12.1 – 47.44

 

INF range

18–40: 3.8–6.55

41–70: 3.9–6.23

70+: 4.5–9.3

100 cc drinking

   

Masseter mean (real)*

18–70: 0.8 – 6.2

 

70+: 1.0 – 7.84

SUB mean (real)

18–60: 3.5 – 11.5

61 – 70+: 4.25 – 16.25

 

INF mean (real)

18–70: 1.4–2.8

 

70+: 1.0–3.85

  1. *Raw mean = computer-calculated mean, while Real mean = raw mean minus the mean resting potential of an actual muscle covered by skin (2.808 μV = for the m. submental and m. infrahyoid, 2.495 μV = for the m. masseter, and 4.542 = for the m. orbicularis oris).