Ultra-low-frequency transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS) in subjects with craniofacial pain: A retrospective study. Issue 6 (1st November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mummolo, Stefano; Nota, Alessandro; Tecco, Simona; Caruso, Silvia; Marchetti, Enrico; Marzo, Giuseppe; Cutilli, Tommaso
• Is Part Of: Cranio. Volume 38:Issue 6(2020)
• Page Start: 396
• Page End: 401
• Publication Date: 2020-11-01
• Subjects: Temporomandibular disorders -- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation -- facial pain -- electromyography -- visual analog scale -- masseter muscles; Temporomandibular joint disorders -- periodicals; Temporomandibular joint -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1080/08869634.2018.1526849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0886-9634

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Objective : The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of ultra-low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS) on pain and electromyographic values in subjects affected by temporomandibular disorders. Methods : A retrospective evaluation of 80 non-consecutive patients (58 women, 22 men, mean age 35.3 ± 9.9 years) suffering from pain associated with temporomandibular disorders was performed. The sample was treated with ULF-TENS, and outcomes were evaluated by anamnestic index, dysfunction index, visual analog scale, and surface electromyography of the masticatory muscles. Results : An improvement was seen in pain and electromyographic values. The visual analog scale showed a mean decrease from 8 to 2; surface electromyographic values in the masseter area decreased from 2.7 ± 0.1 to 1.5 ± 0.1. Conclusion : ULF-TENS seems to be effective in reducing pain symptomatology of subjects affected by temporomandibular disorders, with a reduction in the surface electromyographic activity in the masseter area.