title: Emg analysis after laser acupuncture in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Implications for practice.
abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of low level laser applied to acupuncture points of patients diagnosed with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). Ten patients aged between 20 and 50 years were clinically examined with regard to pain and dysfunction of the masticatory system. They received laser applications (GaAlAs diode laser, 780 nm wavelength; 70 mW power output, 35 j/cm(2)) in acupuncture specific points (Ig4, C3, E6, E7) once a week, for ten sessions. The range of jaw movement was registered after each session and visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied. Results were analyzed (SPSS-15.0-Chicago) during the comparison, before and after treatment. Statistical tests showed significant improvements (p < 0.01) in painful symptoms and electromyographic activities of masseter muscles in maximal habitual occlusion after laser applications but no significant improvements (p = 0.05) in measurements of mandibular movements. The laser therapy in specific acupuncture points promoted improvement of symptoms and it may be used as complementary therapy for TMD.
authors.affiliation: Ribeirão Preto Dental School/ São Paulo University, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Patrícia Tiemy
authors.initials: PT
authors.lastname: Hotta
authors.affiliation: Ribeirão Preto Dental School/ São Paulo University, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Takami Hirono
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Hotta
authors.affiliation: Ribeirão Preto Dental School/ São Paulo University, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: César
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bataglion
authors.affiliation: Ribeirão Preto Dental School/ São Paulo University, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Solange Aparecida
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Bataglion
authors.affiliation: Ribeirão Preto Dental School/ São Paulo University, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Elaine Angélica
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: de Souza Coronatto
authors.affiliation: Ribeirão Preto Dental School/ São Paulo University, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Selma
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siéssere
authors.affiliation: Ribeirão Preto Dental School/ São Paulo University, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil. Electronic address: schregalo@forp.usp.br.
authors.forename: Simone Cecilio Hallak
authors.initials: SCH
authors.lastname: Regalo
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000328:Adult; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy; D008297:Male; D008406:Masseter Muscle / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013704:Temporomandibular Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D055815:Young Adult