title: Evaluation of low-level laser therapy effectiveness on the pain and masticatory performance of patients with myofascial pain.
abstract: This study investigated the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the masticatory performance (MP), pressure pain threshold (PPT), and pain intensity in patients with myofascial pain. Twenty-one subjects, with myofascial pain according to Research Diagnostic Criteria/temporomandibular dysfunction, were divided into laser group (n = 12) and placebo group (n = 9) to receive laser therapy (active or placebo) two times per week for 4 weeks. The measured variables were: (1) MP by analysis of the geometric mean diameter (GMD) of the chewed particles using Optocal test material, (2) PPT by a pressure algometer, and (3) pain intensity by the visual analog scale (VAS). Measurements of MP and PPT were obtained at three time points: baseline, at the end of treatment with low-level laser and 30 days after (follow-up). VAS was measured at the same times as above and weekly throughout the laser therapy. The Friedman test was used at a significance level of 5% for data analysis. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Sergipe (CAAE: 0025.0.107.000-10). A reduction in the GMD of crushed particles (p < 0.01) and an increase in PPT (p < 0.05) were seen only in the laser group when comparing the baseline and end-of-treatment values. Both groups showed a decrease in pain intensity at the end of treatment. LLLT promoted an improvement in MP and PPT of the masticatory muscles.
authors.affiliation: Health Science Program, Federal University of Sergipe, Sergipe, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mila Leite
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: de Moraes Maia
authors.forename: Maria Amália Gonzaga
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: Luiz Guilherme Martins
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Maia
authors.forename: Juliana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Stuginski-Barbosa
authors.forename: Yuri Martins
authors.initials: YM
authors.lastname: Costa
authors.forename: André Luís
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Porporatti
authors.forename: Paulo César Rodrigues
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.forename: Leonardo Rigoldi
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Bonjardim
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005157:Facial Pain / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008297:Male; D008409:Mastication / Q000528:radiation effects; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D010147:Pain Measurement; D017288:Pain Threshold / Q000528:radiation effects; D013705:Temporomandibular Joint Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy; D055815:Young Adult