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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
Assessment of Neuromuscular Function Using Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Published on: September 13, 2015
Evaluation of microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (MENS) effectiveness on muscle pain in temporomandibular
Paulo Renato Junqueira Zuim1, Alicio Rosalino Garcia, Karina Helga Leal Turcio
1Department of Dental Materials and Prosthodontics of Araçatuba Dental School, UNESP - São Paulo State University - Araçatuba - São Paulo - Brazil. prjzuim@foa.unesp.br
Abstract:
The effect of Microcurrent Electrical Nerve Stimulation (MENS) was evaluated and compared with occlusal splint therapy in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients with muscle pain. Twenty TMD patients were divided into four groups. One received occlusal splint therapy and MENS (I); other received splints and placebo MENS (II); the third, only MENS (III) and the last group, placebo MENS (IV). Sensitivity derived from muscle palpation was evaluated using a visual analogue scale. Results were submitted to analysis of variance (p<0.05). There was reduction of pain level in all groups: group I (occlusal splint and MENS) had a 47.7% reduction rate; group II (occlusal splint and placebo MENS), 66.7%; group III (MENS), 49.7% and group IV (placebo MENS), 16.5%. In spite of that, there was no statistical difference (analysis of variance / p<0.05) between MENS and occlusal splint therapy regarding muscle pain reduction in TMD patients after four weeks.
