The reproducibility of temporomandibular joint vibrations over time in the human

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the reproducibility of vibrations recorded from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in a group of healthy subjects. The vibrations from TMJ were recorded bilaterally from 34 healthy subjects by electrovibratography in three sessions at intervals of 3 min and again after 1 week. The total integral of the vibration energy, the ratio of the integral between frequencies above 300 Hz and below 300 Hz (ratio of >300 Hz/<300 Hz), peak frequency, median frequency, peak amplitude and distance to centric occlusion position were calculated. Data were analysed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and two-way anova for repeated measures. All variables showed good to excellent reliability across different sessions (ICCday1 : 0·935-0·987; ICCday2 : 0·910-0·992) and across different days (ICC: 0·738-0·907). According to anova for repeated measures, all variables showed good reproducibility (P > 0·05) between sessions at the same day. There was no significant difference between the 2 days for the frequency-related variables including peak frequency (P = 0·083), median frequency (P = 0·188) and ratio of >300 Hz/<300 Hz (P = 0·26). There was a statistical difference between the 2 days for the intensity-related vibration variables including total integral (P = 0·045) and peak amplitude (P = 0·026). The wave patterns of the power-frequency spectra were qualitatively similar over both the sessions and days. Joint vibration analysis could provide a fast, non-invasive, and repeatable method to record the status of TMJ. Further studies are needed to identify the characteristic waveforms for different subgroups of temporomandibular disorders and to evaluate the possibility of diagnostic value.

Critical analysis of diagnostic tools for the temporomandibular joint

“…Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA) together with compatible software (BioPAK Measurement System, Bioresearch Inc., Milwaukee, USA) is the most common vibroacoustic device used for TMJ [33,[35][36][37][38][39].…”

“…When analyzing the issue of measurement and registration repeatability, it has to be emphasized that contrary results have been published over the years [33,36,[38][39][40].…”

“…On the other hand, Zhang et al [36] and Bakalczuk et al [38] clearly showed VAG reliability to be good and excellent based on Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) -0.75 and 0.738-0.907, respectively. The authors agreed on the need for further studies regarding diagnostic value of VAG and identification of characteristic waveforms for different subgroups of TMD patients.…”

Effect of Different Splint Thicknesses on Occlusal Function and Temporomandibular Joint Sounds: A Clinical Report

“…Sounds from the TMJ are one of the most frequently reported symptoms of TMDs [12]. JVA is based on electrovibratography using the Bio-PAK system (Bioresearch Inc., Milwaukee, USA) and is an advanced technique developed to record TMJ sounds.…”

A Feasibility Study to Assess Vibration and Sound From Zygapophyseal Joints During Motion Before and After Spinal Manipulation

“…22–24 In addition, analysis of vibration and sound waves recorded from accelerometers and microphones have been used rather extensively to assess sounds as a type of biomarker associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, 25–32 as compared with temporomandibular joints functioning normally. 33,34 Interestingly, Brown even identified unique sound patterns in muscles of patients with Parkinson’s Disease. 35 …”