Influence of Phototherapy on Thermographic Images and Pain in Individuals with Temporomandibular Disorder: Protocol for a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract

Considering the multifactor aspect of TMD, studies are needed to establish effective forms of
treatment. Thus, the following is the research question of the proposed study: Is phototherapy
capable of reducing pain and influencing skin surface temperature over the masseter and temporal
muscles in patients with TMD?
Study Design: A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study is proposed.
Sample: Thirty-six women will participate in the study and will be allocated to two groups (18
per group) through a randomization process involving the use of opaque envelopes containing
cards stipulating to which group each participant will belong: Group A (39.27 Joules) and
Group B (0 Joules).
Evaluation Procedures: Diagnosis of TMD (RDC/TMD), Classification of TMD (FONSECA
INDEX), Pain intensity (VISUAL ANALOG SCALE), Pain pressure threshold (ALGOMETRY)
and Skin surface temperature (INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY).
Intervention Procedures: A portable, nine-diode cluster phototherapy device (PainAway®, MultiRadiance
Medical®, Solon, OH, USA) will be used for the administration of phototherapy.
Phases of Study: Initial evaluation, Treatment, Immediate evaluation, 10-minute evaluation,
20-minute evaluation and 30-minute evaluation.
Data Analysis: Pain, based on the VAS and algometric scores, will be the primary outcome and
skin surface temperature will be the secondary outcome.
KEYWORDS:;