Abstract

LA TOUCHE, R.; LINARES, M. T.; ANGULO, S.  and  ESCALANTE, K.. The influence of pressure on the gingivae mucosa on the algometry measurement of the masseter´s myofascial trigger point: A Randomized Cross-Over Controlled Trial. Rev. Soc. Esp. Dolor [online]. 2007, vol.14, n.2, pp.104-112. ISSN 1134-8046.

Objective: Our study sets out to determine if the pressure on the gingivae mucosa of the lower molars influences the pressure pain threshold of one of the masseter's myofascial trigger point. Material and methods: A total of 38 subjects who had orofacial pain were included in the study. The masseter's myofascial trigger point was studied. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured via algometer and the intensity pain perception post-algometry measurement via Visual Analogical Scale (VAS). All study subjects were regarded either as experimental or as control group. A free-pressure measurement onto the gingivae mucosa was used in the experimental group. Meanwhile, a direct pressure measurement was used in the control group. The sequence of measurements order was carried out by means of a randomized systematical distribution. Results: There were significant statistical differences between the PPT obtained in the experimental group and those of the control group (P<0.05). The pain intensity perception measurements showed no significant statistical differences (P>0.05). There was no correlation between PPT and pain intensity perception post-algometry measurement in any of the groups (r = 0.13 , P = 0.5 for the experimental group; r = 0.5 , P = 0.36). Conclusión: According to our study results, the observation shows that no pressure onto the gingivae mucosa influences in algometry measurements producing an increase in PPT valúes of the masseter's myofascial trigger point. Nevertheless, further investigation is required on the sensitivity and reliability of this protocol measurement before clinical use.

Keywords : pressure pain threshold; myofascial trigger point; masseter muscle; algometry; gingivae mucosa.

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