Stretch-based relaxation and the reduction of EMG activity among masticatory muscle pain patients.

C. R. Carlson, J. P. Okeson, D. A. Falace, A. J. Nitz, D. Anderson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study explored the efficacy of stretch-based relaxation procedures for the reduction of muscle activity in the masseter regions of subjects diagnosed with masticatory muscle pain disorders. Thirty-four subjects with elevated masseter activity were assigned randomly to either a postural relaxation/rest experimental group or a stretch-based relaxation experimental group. Following a psychosocial stressor and application of the relaxation procedure, persons in the stretch-based group showed greater reductions in EMG activity than did those in the postural group for the right masseter region (t = 1.94, P less than .04) and the left masseter region (t = 2.07, P less than .03). The results are discussed in terms of the implications of these findings for further research concerning the etiology and treatment of masticatory muscle pain.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)205-212
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of craniomandibular disorders : facial & oral pain
Volume5
Issue number3
StatePublished - 1991

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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