Effect of Phototherapy on Masseter and Anterior Temporal Muscles Before Induction of Fatigue: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Blind Clinical Trial

Effectiveness of photobiomodulation and orofacial myofunctional therapy in orofacial pain disorders. A systematic review of randomized control trials

Orofacial pain can significantly affect physical, psychological, and overall quality of life. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of combining photobiomodulation (PBM) with orofacial myofunctional therapy (OMT) in managing orofacial pain disorders. An electronic search of randomized controlled trials in electronic databases was performed until March 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on PBM and OMT for the management of orofacial pain were included. Risk of bias across individual studies was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for interventions. A total of 10 RCTs were included, out of which 7 RCTs revealed that the combined approach of PBM and OMT had a more pronounced impact on diminishing pain and enhancing functional activity in patients with orofacial disorders. One study reported significant increases in pressure pain threshold for TMJ, masseter, and anterior temporalis muscles at both sides in the post-treatment compared with the pre-treatment in both groups. The risk of bias was low in 7, moderate in 2, and high in 1 study. The efficacy of a combined modality treatment of PBM with OMT for orofacial pain disorder shows promising results. However, further randomized controlled trials with extended follow-up periods standardized PBM and OMT parameters are warranted to obtain firm conclusions.

DOES PHOTOBIOMODULATION IMPROVE MUSCLE PERFORMANCE AND RECOVERY? A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

ABSTRACT Photobiomodulation (PBM) appears to limit exercise-induced muscle damage, improve biochemical and functional recovery, and reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) in skeletal muscle recovery after exercise, addressing the different types of lasers and parameters used. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing the effects of PBM were included. The primary outcome evaluated was performance, and the secondary was inflammatory marker expression. The searches were conducted in March 2021. Fifteen RCTs that met the inclusion criteria were included. There was significant variability regarding the doses and wavelengths used, as well as in the types of lasers. However, in most studies, PBM promoted improvement of maximum voluntary contraction, better oxygen consumption, increased time to achieve exhaustion and fatigue, and decreased creatine kinase (CK), oxidative stress, and fatigue markers, mainly when used before exercise. Photobiomodulation applied before exercise, regardless of variations in doses and wavelengths, improves muscle performance and decreases levels of inflammation and fatigue markers. Evidence level II; Systematic review of level II studies.

Effect of oral exercises and photobiomodulation therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with mandible fractures: randomized double-blind clinical trial

Mandible fractures compromise stomatognathic functions, requiring rehabilitation. Evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBM) associated with oral exercises for rehabilitation of patients with mandible fractures. In this randomized clinical trial, we compared PBM with PBM sham in 14 adults with mandibular fractures who underwent surgical intervention. The sessions were performed 24 h and 48 h after surgical procedure, and weekly for 4 weeks after hospital discharge. Both groups performed oral exercises after each PBM session. Restriction of food consistencies, mandibular mobility, pain, and facial sensitivity measured before and after the surgical procedure were the outcomes evaluated, one and 3 months after surgery. Maximum interincisal distances (MID), exercise pain, and restriction of food consistencies were also evaluated during each week of intervention. Both groups showed normal MID (> 35 mm) and food consistencies consumed 1 month after the surgical procedure, with no significant differences between them. Individuals in the PBM group had less pain response to exercise during all the weeks of intervention than the sham group (p < 0.05). The patients presented a reduction in the painful response in MID and mandibular laterality movements 1 month after surgery compared to the preoperative period. In contrast, there was an improvement in laterality in the sham group only 3 months postoperatively and persistent pain in MID. There was no significant difference in facial sensitivity within and between groups during follow-up. The performance of oral exercises associated with PBM effectively facilitated the early rehabilitation of oral functions, with significant gains in pain management.