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Low-Level Laser Auriculotherapy in the Treatment of Myogenic Temporomandibular Disorders and Anxiety
Sponsor: Quiropraxia y Equilibrio
Summary
Summary: Low-level laser auriculotherapy (LLLT-AT) is a non-invasive technique that has gained attention for managing musculoskeletal pain and anxiety. Given the painful and emotional components of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), LLLT-AT may offer therapeutic benefits by stimulating auricular points associated with pain modulation and anxiety reduction. This randomized, placebo-controlled, two-arm clinical trial with blinded outcome assessors aims to evaluate the effects of LLLT-AT in individuals diagnosed with myogenic TMD (Axis I, Group I of the DC/TMD classification) and anxiety. The study will be conducted at the Physical Agents Laboratory of Universidad Andrés Bello. Eligible participants will include members of the university community with myogenic TMD (Axis I, Group I of the DC/TMD classification) and anxiety. Participants will be stratified by sex and randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving LLLT-AT combined with a standardized myofascial release protocol or a control group receiving sham LLLT-AT with the same myofascial protocol. Interventions will be administered twice weekly for three weeks. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, post-intervention, and at a four-week follow-up. Primary outcomes include pressure pain threshold (PPT), assessed by algometry, and anxiety level, measured using the GAD-7 scale. Secondary outcomes include maximum mouth opening range of motion (MMOROM) and mandibular functional limitation (MFL), assessed using the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale 8 (JFLS-8).
Official title: Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Auriculotherapy in the Treatment of Myogenic Temporomandibular Disorders and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
32
Start Date
2025-09-01
Completion Date
2026-05-01
Last Updated
2025-08-15
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Low-level laser auriculotherapy (LLLT-AT)
Low-Level Laser Auriculotherapy (LLLT-AT) is a non-invasive, painless treatment that applies infrared laser (class IIIb, 905 nm) to specific auricular acupuncture points. It aims to reduce musculoskeletal pain and anxiety by stimulating mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase, increasing ATP production, promoting tissue repair, and modulating inflammation. LLLT also reduces nerve excitability and triggers β-endorphin release, aiding in pain control. Auricular stimulation may influence autonomic nervous system activity, impacting both physical and emotional symptoms. The intervention consists of two sessions per week over three weeks, following standard laser safety procedures.
Sham Low-level laser auriculotherapy (sham LLLT-AT)
Sham LLLT-AT replicates the active procedure using the same laser device and parameters, but without light emission. The probe will be deactivated and applied to the same auricular points twice weekly for three weeks. As LLLT is painless and athermal, participants are unlikely to distinguish the sham condition. Standard safety protocols will be maintained.
Myofascial release
Myofascial release is a manual therapy applied bilaterally to the masseter and temporalis muscles as a baseline intervention. Each session includes 1 minute of ischemic pressure, 1 minute of myofascial release, 30 seconds of positional release, and 30 seconds of general mobilization per muscle. The protocol consists of two sessions per week for three weeks (six sessions total), aiming to reduce muscle tension and improve mandibular function.
Locations (1)
Universidad Andrés Bello
Santiago, Santiago Metropolitan, Chile