The effects of electrogalvanic stimulation therapy on masticatory muscle dysfunction as determined by the pantronic reproducibility index.

Abstract

Patients with temporomandibular joint dysfunctional activity (TM dysfunction) present with a diverse spectrum of clinical signs and symptoms. The multifactorial aetiology of such disorders has been noted. Diagnostic and therapeutic problems arise due to the inadequacy of quantifying the dysfunction. TM dysfunction can affect the muscles of mastication which are responsible for mandibular movement. A pantographic reproducibility index (PRI) is available to quantitatively and qualitatively measure a subjects ability to reproduce mandibular border movements. Physical therapy modalities are used in the management of TM dysfunction. Electrogalvanic stimulation (EGS) is such an example. The effect of electrogalvanic stimulation on subjects with and without TM dysfunction was assessed by Pantronic PRI appraisal in 20 subjects. No statistically significant differences were noted. At the individual level, some changes were observed in susceptible subjects.