title: Stretch-based relaxation and the reduction of EMG activity among masticatory muscle pain patients.
abstract: This study explored the efficacy of stretch-based relaxation procedures for the reduction of muscle activity in the masseter regions of subjects diagnosed with masticatory muscle pain disorders. Thirty-four subjects with elevated masseter activity were assigned randomly to either a postural relaxation/rest experimental group or a stretch-based relaxation experimental group. Following a psychosocial stressor and application of the relaxation procedure, persons in the stretch-based group showed greater reductions in EMG activity than did those in the postural group for the right masseter region (t = 1.94, P less than .04) and the left masseter region (t = 2.07, P less than .03). The results are discussed in terms of the implications of these findings for further research concerning the etiology and treatment of masticatory muscle pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Orofacial Pain Center, University of Kentucky.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Carlson
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Okeson
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Falace
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Nitz
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Anderson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D009119:Muscle Contraction; D010556:Personality Tests; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014143:Traction