This randomized controlled clinical trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using two different diode laser wavelengths (980 nm and 635 nm) in the treatment of myofascial pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study compares pain reduction and muscle activity improvement using surface electromyography (sEMG) before and after laser application. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either 980 nm or 635 nm laser treatment twice per week for five weeks. The primary outcomes include pain intensity and functional mandibular movements, while secondary outcomes assess changes in sEMG recordings.
This randomized controlled clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) using two diode laser wavelengths-980 nm and 635 nm-for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study is conducted at the National Institute of Laser Enhanced Sciences (NILES), Cairo University. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria are randomly assigned to two intervention groups. Group 1 receives LLLT using a 635 nm diode laser, while Group 2 receives LLLT using a 980 nm diode laser. Both groups undergo treatment twice per week for a total of five weeks, following a standardized protocol. The primary outcomes include pain intensity assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and evaluation of mandibular range of motion including lateral and protrusive movements. Secondary outcomes involve the assessment of masseter and temporalis muscle activity using surface electromyography (sEMG) before and after the treatment period. The study aims to provide evidence-based comparison between the two wavelengths in terms of pain reduction and neuromuscular improvement, contributing to the optimization of non-invasive laser protocols for TMD-related myofascial pain.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Participants will receive low-level laser therapy using a diode laser with a wavelength of 635 nanometers. The treatment will be applied twice weekly for five weeks to the affected temporomandibular joint muscles to reduce myofascial pain and improve muscle function.
Participants will receive low-level laser therapy using a diode laser with a wavelength of 980 nanometers. The treatment will be applied twice weekly for five weeks to the affected temporomandibular joint muscles to reduce myofascial pain and improve muscle function.
National Institute for Laser Enhanced Sciences
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Pain Intensity Reduction
"Pain intensity was assessed in patients with myofascial pain syndrome of the temporomandibular joint using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a 10-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity. Measurements were recorded at baseline, after 10 sessions of low-level laser therapy (5 weeks), and at 1-month follow-up. Data are reported in the tables below. Lower scores reflect reduced pain intensity
Time frame: At baseline, after 10 treatment sessions (5 weeks), and at 1-month follow-up (approximately 2 months in total from baseline).
Maximum Mouth Opening (MMO)
"Maximum Mouth Opening (MMO) was assessed in millimeters at three time points: baseline, after 10 sessions of low-level laser therapy (5 weeks), and at 1-month follow-up. Data are reported as mean ± standard deviation in the tables below. No conclusions or comparisons are included in this description."
Time frame: At baseline, after 10 treatment sessions (5 weeks), and at 1-month follow-up (approximately 2 months in total from baseline).
Lateral Jaw Movements
Lateral jaw movements (side-to-side excursion) were measured in millimeters to assess changes in temporomandibular joint function. Measurements were recorded at baseline, after 10 sessions of low-level laser therapy (5 weeks), and at 1-month follow-up. Higher values indicate a greater range of mandibular motion.
Time frame: At baseline, after 10 treatment sessions (5 weeks), and at 1-month follow-up (approximately 2 months in total from baseline).
Changes in Muscle Activity Measured by Surface Electromyography (sEMG)
Surface electromyography (sEMG) was used to assess the electrical activity of the masseter and anterior temporalis muscles during maximum voluntary clenching. Recordings were obtained at baseline and after 10 sessions of low-level laser therapy (5 weeks). Results are expressed as mean amplitude values in microvolts (µV). Lower values indicate reduced muscle activity, which reflects clinical improvement.
Time frame: At baseline and after 10 treatment sessions (5 weeks)
Protrusive Movements
Protrusive mandibular movements were measured in millimeters to evaluate the functional improvement of the temporomandibular joint. Measurements were taken at baseline, after 5 weeks of low-level laser therapy, and at 1-month follow-up. Higher values indicate greater range of mandibular protrusive motion.
Time frame: At baseline, after 10 treatment sessions (5 weeks), and at 1-month follow-up (approximately 2 months in total from baseline).
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