The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature on the
effects of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of TMD, and to analyze the use of
different assessment tools. [Subjects and Methods] Searches were carried out of the
BIREME, MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO electronic databases by two independent researchers for
papers published in English and Portuguese using the terms: “temporomandibular joint laser
therapy” and “TMJ laser treatment”. [Results] Following the application of the eligibility
criteria, 11 papers were selected for in-depth analysis. The papers analyzed exhibited
considerable methodological differences, especially with regard to the number of sessions,
anatomic site and duration of low-level laser therapy irradiation, as well as irradiation
parameters, diagnostic criteria and assessment tools. [Conclusion] Further studies are
needed, especially randomized clinical trials, to establish the exact dose and ideal
parameters for low-level laser therapy and define the best assessment tools in this
promising field of research that may benefit individuals with signs and symptoms of
TMD.
BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to analyse the influence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) on electromyographic activity in the masseter and temporal muscles of adolescents and investigate a possible association with the number of occlusal contacts.MethodsThe Helkimo Index was administered for the diagnosis of TMD and classification of the adolescents into three groups: without TMD; with mild TMD; and with moderate/severe TMD. Carbon paper was used for the determination of occlusal contact points. A standardised electromyographic evaluation was performed on the masticatory muscles at rest, during habitual chewing and during maximum voluntary clenching. The readings were normalised to maximum voluntary clenching. Statistical analysis involved the chi-squared test and Fisher’s exact test. The Kruskal-Wallis test and one-way analysis of variance with Dunn’s post hoc test were used to compare differences between groups. Pearson’s correlation coefficients (r) were calculated for the determination of correlations between the number of occlusal contacts and RMS values.ResultsElectromyography revealed significant differences in the right and left masseter and temporal muscles at rest and during chewing among the three groups. These differences were not observed during maximum voluntary clenching. No statistically significant differences were found between the groups with and without TMD regarding the number of occlusal contacts.ConclusionElectromyographic activity in the masseter and temporal muscles was greater among adolescents with moderate to severe TMD.
[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of a single session
of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with virtual reality training on the
balance of children with cerebral palsy. [Subjetcs and Methods] Children with cerebral
palsy between four and 12 years of age were randomly allocated to two groups: an
experimental group which performed a single session of mobility training with virtual
reality combined with active transcranial direct current stimulation; and a control group
which performed a single session of mobility training with virtual reality combined with
placebo transcranial direct current stimulation. The children were evaluated before and
after the training protocols. Static balance (sway area, displacement, velocity and
frequency of oscillations of the center of pressure on the anteroposterior and
mediolateral axes) was evaluated using a force plate under four conditions (30-second
measurements for each condition): feet on the force plate with the eyes open, and with the
eyes closed; feet on a foam mat with the eyes open, and with the eyes closed. [Results] An
increase in sway velocity was the only significant difference found. [Conclusion] A single
session of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation combined with mobility training
elicited to lead to an increase in the body sway velocity of children with cerebral
palsy.
A single session of combined phototherapy was capable of reducing pain intensity in individuals patients with TMD. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02018770). Implications for Rehabilitation Phototherapy device combining two light sources (LED and laser), and different densities in the same device is a novelty in the rehabilitation market, and has proved to be a useful intervention for people with temporomandibular disorders. This mode of phototherapy is another option that assists in the rapid intervention in pain symptoms, promoting a considerable degree of comfort to the patient moments after its application.
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