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Comparison of muscle activity between conventional and neuromuscular splints
1Division of Family Dentistry, University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, College of Dentistry.
The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry
|July 1, 1993
Summary
Two muscle relaxation appliances significantly reduced muscle activity in myofascial pain dysfunction patients compared to a placebo. Both the centric relation mandibular appliance and neuromuscular orthotic showed similar effectiveness in reducing masseter and temporalis muscle EMG activity.
Area of Science:
- Dental Science
- Neuromuscular Dentistry
- Pain Management
Background:
- Muscle relaxation appliances (MRA) are utilized for treating myofascial pain dysfunction (MPD).
- Neuromuscular orthotics, a type of MRA, are designed based on mandibular position during minimal muscle activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of two MRAs and a placebo on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of masseter and anterior temporalis muscles.
- To compare the effectiveness of a centric relation mandibular MRA and a neuromuscular orthotic in MPD patients.
Main Methods:
- Twelve women diagnosed with MPD (mean age 38) participated.
- A centric relation mandibular MRA and a neuromuscular orthotic were fabricated.
- EMG measurements of masseter and anterior temporalis muscles were recorded during a 10-second clench with each appliance and a cotton roll placebo.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in EMG activity was observed between the centric relation mandibular MRA and the neuromuscular orthotic.
- A statistically significant reduction in mean EMG values was found when comparing both treatment appliances to the placebo (cotton rolls).
Conclusions:
- Both the centric relation mandibular MRA and the neuromuscular orthotic are effective in reducing EMG activity in MPD patients.
- The tested MRAs demonstrate superior efficacy over a placebo in managing muscle activity associated with MPD.