Effect of manipulation therapy on temporomandibular disorder and related changes in surface electromyography

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of manual therapy on temporomandibular anterior disc displacement without reduction combined masticatory muscles pain and related surface electromyography(EMG) changes. Methods From June 2017 to December 2017, 30 patients 6 males and 24 females aged from 16 to 65 years and average age of(27.0±11.4) years with temporomandibular disorders(TMD) were treated with soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization for 5 times. Maximum mouth opening(MMO), visual analogue score(VAS) and surface electromyography(sEMG) indexes of masseter muscle were compared before and after treatment. Results After 5 times of manual therapy, the MMO increased, and VAS decreased significantly MMO,(38.37±5.20) mm vs(31.23±7.77) mm; VAS,(1.93±1.53) vs(3.70±1.57); P< 0.05, respectively. sEMG at rest right: 2.40±1.36) μV vs(4.45±2.79) μV; left:(2.65±1.09)μV vs(5.16±4.62) μV decreased, sEMG during maximum teeth clenching on cotton rolls right:(135.83±38.90) μV vs(90.53±20.55)μV; left:(136.97±42.77)μV vs(89.74±21.03)μVand sEMG during maximum teeth clenching in intercuspal position right:(184.92±34.45)μV vs(134.13±33.69)μV; left:(191.72±38.51)μV vs(138.34±42.62)μV were all increased after treatment(all P< 0.05). Conclusion Manual therapy can reduce the pain and increase the degree of mouth opening in patients with temporomandibular disorder.