Therapeutic Effect of Multiplane Force Application Technique on Masticatory Muscles: Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: To compare the immediate effect between the multiplane force application (MFA) and ischemic compression (IC) technique on pain alteration and muscle activity of masticatory muscles in healthy participants.
Methods: The interventions of manual techniques have been studied consistently. Multiplane force application technique (MFA) is one of manual therapy, which is modified based on multidirectional force application to treat myofascial trigger point. However, comparative study of therapeutic effect with a common technique needs to prove.
A double blinded randomized control trial which was conducted in the Orofacial Pain Clinic, Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University. 86 healthy participants who aged between 18-60 years were recruited in this study. Participants who present of latent myofascial trigger points (LTrPs) in masticatory muscles, such as masseter and temporalis muscles were randomly assigned into two groups by a computer-generated false-random-number method. Group I (n=43) was received MFA technique whereas group II (n=43) was received IC technique. These methods were performed in two sessions. The masseter and temporalis muscles were treated consequently during 30 minutes. Outcome measures were assessed at pre treatment and post treatment immediately.
Results: Pressure pain threshold (PPT) and surface electromyography (sEMG) values were analyzed by paired t-test. PPT was increased and sEMG activity was reduced significantly when compared within group (p<0.001), whereas both of parameters were not difference (p>0.05) when compared between groups.
Conclusions: The therapeutic effects of two techniques are similar on alteration of and resting electrical activity of masticatory muscles.