A randomized, double-blind controlled trial of the acute effects of Kinesio taping in patients with localized myogenic temporomandibular dysfunction

Resumo

To investigate the acute effects of applying Kinesio Tape (KT) in patients with myogenic temporomandibular dysfunction. Material and methods: A double-blind randomized clinical trial, with parallel groups. Setting: The Clinical School of Physiotherapy, Tuiuti University of Parana. Subjects: This study involved 70 participants (18-60 years of age) with a clinical diagnosis of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) and myogenic pain using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (RDC/ TMD). The participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (KTG) or to a control group (CG). Interventions: The KTG group of patients received KT while the CG received a placebo treatment involving adhesive tape. Main measures: Pain (Visual Analog Scale and algometry), thermography, and electromyography (EMG) were recorded at baseline, just before the application of tape, and on the third day of treatment. Results: There was no difference in the EMG between KTG and CG in the masseter (p = 0.1494) and temporal (p = 0.699395) muscle. There was a decrease in the values of thermography in the GKT (33.43 ± 0.12 for 32.51 ± 0.21), and maintenance in CG (33.43 ± 0.13 for 33.42 ± 0.2). Conclusion: Multidisciplinary interaction is essential for the treatment of myogenic TMD and even a single application of KT can result in clinical improvement. However, it is now necessary to determine results of such treatment over medium and long terms.