Test–Retest Reliability of Detection Time Data Measured Using a Masseter Electromyogram in Healthy Young Adults

Abstract

Few studies have assessed test–retest reliability of flavor detection time in semisolid and solid foods. In this study, test–retest reliability was assessed in 16 healthy young adults (22.6 ± 5.5 years old) on the data collected using a masseter electromyography-based system between two experimental sessions approximately 35 days apart. The overall correlation coefficients were calculated across five test foods; the correlation coefficient for the entire sample was statistically significant. Five correlation coefficients were calculated for individual test foods, but only orange-flavored gummy candy was significantly correlated across the two sessions. These results suggested that flavor detection time measured by the electromyography-based system is basically reliable over time, with considerable variation among flavors.