A comparison of the muscular relaxation effect of TENS and EMG-biofeedback in patients with bruxism

Abstract

This study investigated effects of electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback (BFB) and transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation (TENS) on the EMG activity of the masticatory muscles and skin conductance level (SCL) of patients, suffering from myofacial pain syndrome. In the course of the investigation, EMG activity as well as the SCL was measured after a 20 min BFB or, respectively, after a myomonitor session in 20 patients and pre- and post-treatment values were compared. Results showed tendencies of decreased mean-EMG levels for both groups after the treatment sessions, with higher EMG values for the myomonitor group. There was no indication of a significant decrease in mean EMG levels over the sessions. Furthermore, an increase of the SCL during the period of treatment was observed for both groups in session I and II, while session III produced nearly stable values. No existing correlations for changes in SCL and EMG-activity could be established.