Masseter Muscle Activity in Orthodontically Treated Patients with a History of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder: An Electromyographic Study

The present study aimed to evaluate the surface electromyography (sEMG) activity of the masseter muscles in patients with a history of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) who received orthodontic treatment. In total, 22 participants aged 18–35 years old were included in this study. They were divided into the control group (patients without a history of TMJD [n = 11]) and the test group (those with a history of TMJD [n = 11]). Each participant underwent sEMG of the right and left masseter muscles at 5-s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Results showed that the TMJD group had a lower sEMG activity of masseter muscles at MVC than the non-TMJD group. However, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05, t-test). The Spearman’s correlation coefficient test revealed a weak negative correlation between muscle activity on sEMG and history of TMJD (p > 0.05). In conclusion, orthodontically treated patients in TMJD group have reduced masseter muscle activity during MVC, compare to the non-TMJD group.

A Comparative Study on Effectiveness of Rocabado Approach and Conventional Physiotherapy on Pain, ROM and QOL in Patients with TMJ Dysfunction

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorder or dysfunction (TMD) are considered to be a subclass of the musculoskeletal disorders, so requires physiotherapy treatment. Till now very few studies have been done show the effectiveness of Rocabado approach and conventional physiotherapy, so the research aims to compare the effects of same in patients having mild to moderate Temporomandibular joint disorder. Methods: Subjects (n = 60) with TMJ dysfunction were selected for a comparative study. The participants were randomized into (1) Group A, and (2) Group B. Participants of Group A received Rocabado approach while Group B received the conventional physiotherapy along with home exercises for a period of 8 days immediately following baseline assessment. Discussion: The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of Rocabado approach and TENS in the patients having mild to moderate Temporomandibular joint disorder. To conclude, we can say that that the current study found evidence to justify the application of Rocabado’s technique to TMJ mobility. It helps patients with TMJ problems having mild to moderate dysfunction to improve their discomfort, mouth opening and quality of life.

Association between Temporomandibular Joint Disorder and Weight Changes: A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study Using a National Health Screening Cohort

This study aimed to investigate BMI changes following a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) diagnosis. The Korean National Health Insurance Service-Health Screening Cohort from 2002 to 2015 was used. In Study I, 1808 patients with TMJD (TMJD I) were matched with 7232 participants in comparison group I. The change in BMI was compared between the TMJD I and comparison I groups for 1 year. In study II, 1621 patients with TMJD (TMJD II) were matched with 6484 participants in comparison group II participants. The change in BMI was compared between the TMJD II and comparison II groups for 2 years. In Study I, the BMI change was not associated with TMJD. In Study II, the BMI change was associated with TMJD in the interaction of the linear mixed model (p = 0.003). The estimated value (EV) of the linear mixed model was −0.082. The interaction was significant in women <60 years old, women ≥60 years old, and the obese I category. TMJD was not associated with BMI changes after 1–2 years in the overall population. In women and obese patients, TMJD was associated with a decrease in BMI after 2 years.