Non-specific effects and clusters of women with painful TMD responders and non-responders to LLLT: double-blind randomized clinical trial

AbstractThe aim was to analyze the non-specific effects (placebo, spontaneous remission, and regression to the mean) of the low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in women with myofascial pain (painful temporomandibular disorder (TMD)), as well as to differentiate between responders and non-responder clusters to active and placebo LLLT according to the anxiety levels, salivary cortisol, use of oral contraceptives, and premenstrual period. Sixty-four women diagnosed with myofascial pain (Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD)) were included, divided into laser (n = 20), placebo group (n = 21), and 23 controls (without treatment (WT)). The LLLT applied was 780 nm, masseter and temporal = 5 J/cm2 (20  mW–0.5 W/cm2), and TMJ area  = 7.5 J/cm2 (30  mW–0.8 W/cm2), eight sessions, twice a week. The pain intensity (visual analogue scale (VAS)), anxiety (Beck Anxiety Inventory), salivary cortisol, and menstrual cycle ’s data at the baseline, T1–T8, and 30 days after LLLT (follow-up) were evaluated. The laser group showed 80% of pain reduction, placebo 85%, and WT 43% in T8. Women with severe anxiety and at the premenstrual period did not reduce pain with any LLLT. Active and placebo LLLT had similar effecti veness during the treatment period; however, women with moderate anxiety, cortisol levels above 10 ng/ml, and without contraceptive use maintain analgesia longer with active LLLT than placebo (follow-up 30 days). Women with ...
Source: Lasers in Medical Science - Category: Laser Surgery Source Type: research