Effects of Magnetostimulation on Muscle Activity and Pain in Edentulous Adults with Temporomandibular Disorders

Introduction: Multifactorial aetiologies of painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have an impact on correct diagnosis and consequently prevent proper treatment.

Aim Of The Study: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of magnetic stimulation on electromyographic activity in temporal muscles and masseters in patients using occlusal splints.

Materials And Methods: The examined group consisted of 40 edentulous patients with TMD. The patients were examined based on Helkimo Index. Next, electromyographic activity of the temporal muscle and masseter were investigated using 8-channel surface electromyography. All patients received acrylic occlusal splints for 12 weeks. The group qualified for the study included 20 randomized patients, whose therapy was additionally carried out by extremely low-frequency magnetic fields for a period of 21 days. Following examinations were conducted after 3, 6 and 12 weeks with surface electromyography recording of the examined muscles. Patients received occlusal splint corrections using the T-Scan III system. The clinical evaluation of TMD was analysed using Helkimo index and VAS scale before and after the treatment. All the data were analysed using Statistica 12.5 PL.

Results: Patients with combination therapy had lower asymmetry of temporal muscle activity.

Conclusions: Combination therapy using magnetic stimulation reduced intensity of pain in patients with TMD and decreased values of the Helkimo indices.