Electromyographic Investigation of the Effects of Different Types of Olfactory Stimuli on Muscle Activity

Abstract

French

This study investigated the effects of six different types of olfactory stimuli on the electromyographic activity of the masseter, upper trapezius, and biceps brachii muscles of 18 normal subjects. The presence of the stimuli had a significant effect on the masseter (p < .011) and the upper trapezius (p < .001) muscles, but not on the biceps brachii muscle. The type of stimulus and the order of presentation of the stimuli had no significant effect on any of the three muscles. Muscle activity was increased whether or not the subject considered the stimulus pleasant or unpleasant. The limitations of this study, the implications for treatment using olfactory stimuli, and suggestions for further study are presented.

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