A comparison of three conservative treatments on the myofascial component of college-aged temporomandibular joint syndrome patients

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise, biofeedback, and placebo on the masseter tension level and the related pain of temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome. Fifteen Texas A&M University students participated in a 3-week training program. These fifteen students were randomly divided into three groups and assigned to either the exercise group, the biofeedback group, or the placebo group. Electromyographic analysis of the pre-training and post-training masseter tension level in the form of Root Mean Square values was recorded. A pain evaluation questionnaire was given following the training session. Analysis of the results was accomplished by a descriptive format. There appeared to be a decrease in muscle tension in the exercise group greater than both the biofeedback and the placebo groups. Pain reduction appeared to be associated with muscle tension reduction.