[Electromyographic changes in bruxism after auricular stimulation. A randomized controlled clinical trial]

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Neuromuscular Physiology
• Dental Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Bruxism is characterized by excessive masticatory muscle activity.
• Hypertonicity of masticatory muscles contributes to bruxism symptoms.
• Effective non-pharmacological treatments for bruxism are sought.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of auricular stimulation in reducing masticatory muscle hypertonicity in bruxism patients.
• To compare acupuncture and brief needle contact on auricular points for muscle relaxation.
• To assess the impact on specific masticatory and accessory muscles.

Main Methods:

• Forty-three bruxism patients were randomized into acupuncture, needle contact (10s), or control groups.
• Electromyography measured resting electrical activity of anterior temporalis, masseter, digastric, and sternocleidomastoid muscles.
• Helkimo's dysfunction indices (CDI, ADI) assessed masticatory system function.

Main Results:

• Both acupuncture and needle contact significantly reduced muscle hypertonicity compared to the control group for most muscles.
• Acupuncture showed superior results over needle contact for the right anterior temporalis and left digastric muscles.
• No significant difference was found in the sternocleidomastoid muscle response.

Conclusions:

• Auricular stimulation, via acupuncture or brief needle contact, is effective in reducing masticatory muscle hypertonicity in bruxism.
• The study highlights a novel auricular area for muscle relaxation.
• Both stimulation methods demonstrated comparable efficacy, suggesting a practical approach for bruxism management.