| Objective：To observe the effects of a stable splint combined with electroacupuncture on the masseter muscle temperature and electromyography in patients with myogenic temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Methods：Totally, 65 patients with myogenic TMD were randomly divided into a treatment group of 33 patients and a control group of 32 patients using a random number table method. Due to 5 dropouts during the treatment period, each group finally consisted of 30 patients. Both groups received health education and routine treatment, with the control group receiving treatment with a stable occlusal splint and the treatment group receiving treatment with a stable occlusal splint combined with electroacupuncture. Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, the absolute value of temperature difference of bilateral masseter muscles (ΔT), root mean square value of temporal muscles (RMS), and root mean square value of masseter muscles (RMS) were measured using an infrared thermal imager and surface electromyography analysis system. The improvement in pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores and mouth opening range in both groups was evaluated, and the efficacy of the two groups was assessed; Results：After 12 weeks of intervention, the ΔT of both groups decreased significantly and the RMS values of temporal and masseter muscles increased significantly compared to that before treatment. The masseter muscle ΔT in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The temporal muscle RMS and masseter muscle RMS in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group (temporal muscle RMS, masseter muscle RMS) (P<0.05). The VAS scores and mouth opening range in the treatment group after treatment were significantly better than those before treatment and after treatment in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the treatment group was 96.6%, significantly higher than that in the control group (83.3%) (P<0.05). Conclusion：The treatment of myogenic TMD patients with a stable occlusal splint combined with electroacupuncture is effective, can effectively reduce the temperature difference of bilateral masseter muscles, enhance the muscle strength of masseter and temporal muscles, alleviate patient pain, and improve mouth opening range. |
