The influence of the sensitivity of the trapezius muscle on the changes within the bioelectric tensions of the masticatory muscles

Abstract

Introduction. Pathological muscle tone can cause changes in the facial skeleton, including tension headaches, tinnitus, temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. The complexity of pathologies and their spectrum may also indicate changes beyond the facial skeleton. The aim of the study was to determine the possible correlation between the pressure pain threshold of the trapezius muscle and the bioelectrical tension on the masticatory muscles. Aim. The aim of the study was to determine the possible correlation between the pressure pain threshold of the trapezius muscle and the bioelectric tension on the masticatory muscles. Material and methods. The number of 36 women applied for the study. They were all examined using an algometer within a trapezius muscle to determine the pressure pain threshold. The electromyographic study was carried out in accordance with the SENIAM guidelines. The resting activity of selected masticatory muscles (temporal and masseter) was recorded for 10 sec. The study involved an 8-channel BioEMG IIITM surface electromyography apparatus with BioPak Measurement System (BioResearch Associates, Inc. Milwaukee, WI, USA). Statistical analysis was carried out using the r-Pearson test. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results. After comparing the bioelectric tension of the masticatory muscles and the pressure pain threshold, left-sided correlation was observed (p<0.05). Both in the right-hand and general comparison, the results did not reach the required level of statistical significance (p>0.05). Conclusions. The pressure pain threshold seems to be linked to the bioelectrical muscle tone of the masticatory muscles. To confirm this observation, further research into a larger and more diverse group of participants is recommended.