Advanced search
Start date
Betweenand
Related content
(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Acupuncture and Temporomandibular Disorders: A 3-Month Follow-up EMG Study

Full text
Author(s):
Rancan, Sandra Valeria [1] ; Bataglion, Cesar [1] ; Bataglion, Solange Aparecida [1] ; Rego Bechara, Odine Maria [1] ; Semprini, Marisa [1] ; Siessere, Selma [1] ; Machado de Sousa, Joao Paulo [2] ; de Souza Crippa, Jose Alexandre [2] ; Cecilio Hallak, Jaime Eduardo [2] ; Hallak Regalo, Simone Cecilio [1]
Total Authors: 10
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Dent Sch, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto Med Sch, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: JOURNAL OF ALTERNATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE; v. 15, n. 12, p. 1307-1310, DEC 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 13
Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of electromyographic (EMG) activation and maximal molar bite force before and after a 3-month acupuncture therapy in individuals with temporomandibular disorder (Helkimo Index) from a pool of subjects attending the Special Care Course of the Ribeirao Preto Dental School, Sao Paulo University, Brazil. Design: All 17 patients, aged between 37 and 50 years (44.2 +/- 4.84 years), with an average weight of 71 +/- 9.45 kg and height of 1.64 +/- 0.07 m, were clinically examined with regard to pain and dysfunctions of the masticatory system. The temporomandibular acupuncture points of needling were IG4, E6, E7, B2, VB14, VB20, ID18, ID19, F3, E36, VB34, E44, R3, and HN3. EMG measures were acquired before and after the treatment using a MyoSystem-BR1 electromyographer. The data collected at rest, protrusion, left and right laterality, and clenching were normalized by maximum voluntary contraction. Maximal bite force in right and left molar regions were registered using a dynamometer with a capacity of up to 1000 N, adapted for oral conditions. The highest value out of three recordings was considered to be the individual's maximal bite force. The results were statistically analyzed using the paired t test (SPSS version 15.0) during the comparison before and after treatment. Results: We found decreased EMG activity at rest, protrusion, left and right laterality, and clenching; as well as increased values of maximal bite force after acupuncture treatment. Conclusions: Acupuncture promoted alterations in the EMG activity of masticatory muscles, increased maximal molar bite force, and led to remission of the subjects' painful symptomatology. (AU)