Tullberg et al., 2003, Switzerland (
10
)
|
To investigate the immediate effects of laser therapy on the blood circulation of the masseter muscle |
12 Patients with chronic orofacial pain and 12 healthy individuals, randomized into experimental and placebo group. Mean age 43 years. |
Pain in palpated muscle, maximum opening of the mouth, intramuscular blood circulation |
LASER IV, 74mW, 2 min application, 8.9J |
Application on the most painful point of the masseter muscle, unilateral in the symptomatic individuals. In the asymptomatic ones, application on the most prominent point of the right masseter. Both applications lasted two minutes. |
The pain intensity did not change significantly after the laser. In the group of patients, there was no change in blood circulation. In the healthy group, there was an increase in blood circulation after the laser had been applied and a decrease after the placebo. Low microcirculation was associated with greater pain intensity. |
Ilbuldu et al., 2004, Turkey (
11
)
|
To evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome |
60 patients with trigger points in the upper trapezius muscles, Group 1 stretching + placebo, Group 2 stretching + acupuncture, Group 3 stretching + laser. Mean age 33 years. |
VAS for pain, amplitude of cervical movement, and functional status |
Laser V (632.8nm), 2J/pt |
Irradiation on three trigger points on the upper trapezius muscles on both sides, three times a week for 12 sessions |
Significantly eased pain at rest and in activity and increase in pain threshold in group 3. |
Medeiros et al., 2005, Brazil (
12
)
|
To evaluate the effects of laser on the bite strength of the masseter muscle in patients with orofacial pain |
15 patients with pain in the masseter muscle, all of them were treated with laser and placebo. Mean age not specified. |
Bite strength |
Laser V, 670 nm, 15 mW, 2J/cm2, 14.3min |
Irradiation throughout the whole masseter muscle, obliquely to the fibers, 2 mm away, scanner |
All the patients improved the muscle contraction strength from approximately 2.51 to 3.01 kgF |
Çetiner et al., 2006, Turkey (
13
)
|
To evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy in the treatment of myogenic TMD |
39 patients with myogenic orofacial pain associated with TMD, divided into laser group (n = 24) and placebo group (n = 15). Mean age 33 years. |
Degrees of pain with VAS, maximum opening of the mouth, and lateral movements of the mandible |
Laser IV (830 nm), 162s; dose 7J/cm2, localized contact |
Irradiation on the four most sensitive points (joint capsule, masseter, temporal, medial and lateral pterygoids), 10 daily sessions for 2 weeks |
Improvement in maximum mouth opening, eased pain, and lessened chewing difficulty |
Sebbe et al., 2006, Brazil (
14
)
|
To analyze the application of laser to prevent induced muscle fatigue in the masseter muscle |
10 subjects without complaints, laser V group and laser IV group. Age range from 21 to 29. |
Electromyographic signs of muscle activity, time of fatigue, maximum and mean strength |
Laser V (685 nm) and IV (830nm), 30 mW, 4J/cm2, 5s/point |
Irradiation in 8 points of the masseter, with a distance of 1 cm between the points. Single application |
The laser therapy employed in this study was not effective to prevent muscle fatigue |
Shinokazi et al., 2006, Brazil (
15
)
|
To evaluate the immediate efficiency of laser therapy in patients with TMJ disorder and pain |
13 patients with myofascial pain and TMJ disorder, application on the side with greater symptomatology and contralateral side as the control. Age range from 18 to 36 years. |
Subjective assessment of pain and electromyography of the masseter and temporal muscles |
Laser IV (790 nm), 40mW, 3J/cm2
|
Irradiation in three points on the masseter, and three points on the temporal |
Reduced electrical activity after the application of laser, immediate relaxation of the muscles, and eased pain |
Núñez et al., 2006, Brazil (
16
)
|
To evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy and electrical stimulation (TENS) in the mouth opening of patients with TMD |
10 patients with multiple-cause TMD, the participants alternately received both treatments. Mean age 34 years. |
Amplitude of mouth opening |
Laser V (670nm), 50 mW, 60s/pt, 3J/pt |
Irradiation in 4 places: masseter muscle, temporal muscle, mandibular condyle, and intra-auricular. Single session |
Significant improvement in the amplitude of mouth opening in both therapies; the laser therapy was significantly greater than TENS |
Kato et al., 2006, Brazil (
17
)
|
To compare TENS with laser therapy in the treatment of patients with TMD |
18 patients with chronic TMD of muscular origin, divided into laser group and TENS group. Mean age 25 years. |
VAS for pain, maximum mouth opening, and palpation of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles |
Laser IV (830 to 904nm), 100mW, 4J/cm2, 9 min each side of the face |
Irradiation in face sweeping (muscles not specified), 10 sessions, 3 times a week, for 4 weeks |
A decrease in VAS, increase in maximum mouth opening of both groups and muscle palpation with a significant difference for the laser group |
Shirani et al., 2009, Iran (
18
)
|
To evaluate the efficacy of laser to ease the pain in the masticatory muscles |
16 patients with myofascial dysfunction. Experimental and placebo group. Mean age 23 years. |
VAS for pain |
Laser V (660nm), continuous, 6.2J/cm2, 6 min; and IV (890 nm), pulsatile, peak 9.8W, 1J/cm2, 1500 Hz for 10 min |
Irradiation on the painful masticatory muscles, twice a week for 3 weeks |
The pain eased significantly before and after the treatment in both groups; however, laser therapy was more effective |
Öz et al., 2010, Turkey (
19
)
|
To compare the effects of laser with an occlusal splint in patients with myofascial pain syndrome |
40 patients with TMD and myofascial pain in the masticatory muscles, divided into laser group and occlusal splint group. Mean age 32 years. |
Pain thresholds with pressure, with algometer and VAS for pain |
Laser IV (820 nm), 3J/cm2, power 300 mW, 10 sec. |
Irradiation on the trigger points, 2mm away, twice a week, 10 sessions |
Sensitivity to palpation and pain threshold with pressure decreased and the pain eased in both groups. The laser was as effective as the occlusal splints in the treatment of myofascial pain. |
Shinozaki et al., 2010, Brazil (
20
)
|
To evaluate the immediate efficacy of laser therapy in women with TMD and pain |
13 women with facial pain in the masseter and temporal muscles. Age range from 18 to 36 years. |
EMG of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles |
Laser IV (790nm), 1.5J/cm2 on the TMJ, and 3J/m2 on the masseter muscle |
Irradiation in 6 TMJ points and 3 points on the masseter muscle |
Reduced electromyographical activities after the laser therapy and significant immediate relaxation of the masseter muscles |
Balestra et al., 2011, Brazil (
21
)
|
To compare the effect of laser and LED on the temperature of the region of the face |
9 healthy individuals, with no systemic or head and neck pathologies. Mean age 28 years. |
Thermogram every 5 minutes, for 30 minutes |
Laser: V, 30mW power, localized, 7.5J/cm2, 10 s, 0.3J energy. LED: V, 30mW power, 4J/cm2, localized, 20 seconds, 0.6J energy |
Irradiation on the masseter with laser or LED on the left side of the face, 8 points |
The laser group did not present intragroup differences. For the LED, there was an intragroup difference at 5 minutes, with a decrease in temperature. In the comparison between groups, there was a significant difference at five minutes with a decrease in temperature with LED. |
Kelencz et al., 2010, Brazil (
22
)
|
To analyze the effect of LED on the electrical activity, strength, and fatigue of the masseter muscle |
30 healthy individuals divided into 3 groups (G1: 1044J/pt; G2: 2088 J/pt; G3: 3132 J/pt). Mean age 23 years. |
Bite strength and electrical activity |
LED V (640nm), 116mW, G1 1044J/pt; G2 2088 J/pt; G3 3132 J/pt, fluency of 2, 4 or 6J/cm2
|
Single irradiation on eight points of the masseter |
Increase in the electrical activity of the masseter for G1. The resistance to fatigue increased significantly for G2. There was no difference in bite strength. |
Silva et al., 2012, Brazil (
23
)
|
To evaluate the effect of laser on TMD |
45 individuals with signs and symptoms of chronic TMD, divided into 3 groups (G1: 52.5J/cm2; G2: 105.0J/cm2, G3: placebo). Age range from 25 to 53 years. |
Maximum mouth opening, jaw laterality, and protrusion; VAS for pain with palpation |
Laser IV (780nm), 70mW, continuous |
Irradiation on the TMJ (5 points), three points on the masseter, and one on the temporal, two sessions a week for 5 weeks |
Increase in mandibular mobility and decrease in painful symptoms; G2 had a quicker response. |
Gokçen-Rohlig et al., 2013, Turkey (
24
)
|
To evaluate the effect of laser on bite strength, area of occlusal contact, and occlusal pressure |
20 individuals with TMD and 20 healthy ones for the control group. Mean age 33 years. |
Pain threshold with pressure, mandibular movements, bite strength, occlusal contact area, and occlusal pressure |
Laser IV (820nm), 3J/cm2, 300mW, 10 s. |
Irradiation on the trigger points, 2mm away, 3 times a week, totaling 10 sessions |
Increase in values of pain threshold with pressure and mandibular mobility, decrease in pain with palpation, with no effect for bite strength, area of occlusal contact and occlusal pressure |
Melchior et al., 2013, Brazil (
1
)
|
To verify whether laser eases the pain and whether this brings about changes in the oromyofacial functions |
12 women diagnosed with myofascial pain. Age range from 18 to 60 years. |
VAS for pain with palpation and OMES |
Laser IV (780nm), 60mW, 40 seconds, 60J/cm2, 2.8J/pt |
Irradiation on the most sensitive points of the upper, medial, and lower masseter, and one point on the anterior temporal. Two sessions a week, for 4 weeks |
Significant decrease in pain with palpation, with no differences in OMES |
Carli et al. 2013, Brazil (
25
)
|
To evaluate the effectiveness of piroxicam in combination with laser therapy in the treatment of TMJ pain |
32 individuals with pain in at least one TMJ, divided into 3 groups (G1 laser and piroxicam placebo; G2 laser placebo and piroxicam; G3 laser and piroxicam). Mean age 38 years. |
VAS for pain at rest, pain intensity with palpation, maximum mouth opening |
Laser IV (808nm), 100mW, 28 s per point, 100J/cm2 per point, 2.8J/pt |
Irradiation on 10 points: 5 on TMJ, 2 on masseter, and 3 on temporal, twice a week for 10 days |
All the groups eased the pain, with no differences between them. The values of mouth opening did not present any difference. The three groups improved in masseter palpation. |
Uemoto et al., 2013, Brazil (
26
)
|
To compare laser with acupuncture in patients with myofascial pain |
21 women with TMD and myofascial trigger points in the masseter, divided into 3 groups (laser group, needle group, control group). Age range from 20 to 52 years. |
VAS for spontaneous pain, pain threshold with pressure, maximum mouth opening, electrical activity |
Laser IV (795nm), 80mW, 4J/cm2 per point on the right masseter muscle and 8J/cm2 on the left masseter muscle |
Irradiation on the myofascial trigger point present in the masseter, 4 sessions with an interval of 72 to 48 hours. |
Significant improvement in both groups regarding pain, significant improvement in pain threshold with palpation in the laser group 4J/cm2, with no changes in electrical activity and maximum mouth opening |
Ahrari et al., 2014, Iran (
27
)
|
To investigate the efficacy of laser therapy in the improvement of signs and symptoms of patients with myogenic TMD |
20 female patients with myogenic TMD, divided into experimental and placebo groups. Mean age 35 years. |
VAS for pain with palpation and maximum mouth opening |
Laser IV, pulsed, localized contact, energy of 6J/pt, fluency 3.4 J/cm2
|
Three times a week for 4 weeks on the painful points of the masseter, temporal, and medial pterygoid muscles |
Increased maximum mouth opening and eased the pain in the experimental group; however, when the groups are compared, there was no significant difference in maximum mouth opening and VAS |
Maia et al., 2014, Brazil (
28
)
|
To evaluate the effect of laser therapy in the masticatory performance, pain threshold with pressure, and pain intensity in patients with masticatory myofascial pain |
21 individuals with myofascial pain, divided into laser group and placebo group. Mean age 27 years. |
Masticatory performance, pain threshold with pressure, and AVS for pain intensity |
Laser IV (808nm), 100mW, 1.9J total energy, 70J/cm2, 19s per point |
Irradiation on the trigger points of the temporal and masseter, 5 points on each muscle, no contact, twice a week for 1 month, totaling 8 sessions |
Improvement in masticatory performance and an increase in pain threshold with pressure in the laser group. Regarding pain, both groups had improvements. |
Madani et al., 2014, Iran (
29
)
|
To investigate the efficacy of laser therapy in the treatment of TMJ osteoarthritis |
20 individuals with TMJ osteoarthritis. Age range from 35 to 60 years. |
VAS for pain intensity and maximum mouth opening |
Laser IV (810nm), pulsed, mean power 50mW, 6J/pt, 3.4J/cm2, 2 min per point |
Irradiation on four points of the TMJ and the painful muscles (masseter, temporal, and medial pterygoid), 3 times a week for 4 weeks |
Increase in maximum mouth opening, though with no statistical difference. For VAS, significant intragroup improvement, with no difference between the groups. |
Nencheva-Svechtarova et al., 2014, Bulgaria (
30
)
|
To evaluate the effectiveness of laser and superluminous LED in pain intensity in people with TMD and chronic myofascial disorders |
45 individuals with chronic symptoms of myofascial and/or joint pain. Single group. Age range from 17 to 70 years. |
VAS for pain intensity |
Laser IV (785nm), 8J/cm2, 100s. Superluminous LED V (633nm), 200mW, 300s, 8J/cm2
|
Irradiation on trigger points, 3 times a week for 2 weeks. Laser on the TMJ, temporal, pterygoids, and sternocleidomastoids, and laser + LED on the masseter and trapezius |
Significantly eased the pain in the TMJ and masseter, with no difference for the other muscles |
Godoy et al., 2015, Brazil (
31
)
|
To evaluate the effect of laser therapy on pain, mandibular movements, and occlusal contact in adolescents and young adults with TMD |
9 adolescents and young adults with TMD, divided into 2 groups: laser and placebo. Age range from 14 to 23 years. |
Maximum occlusal contact, maximum mouth opening, VAS for pain with palpation |
Laser IV (780 nm), 33.5 J/cm2, 50mW, 20s, 1J/pt |
Irradiation on three points of the masseter and one point on the temporal, two sessions a week, for 6 weeks |
No statistically significant differences before and after the treatment and between the groups |
Panhoca et al., 2015, Brazil (
32
)
|
To evaluate the effects of LED V and IV on the temperature of the ex vivo tissue, and pain relief and mandibular movements of patients with TMD |
30 individuals with TMD divided into 3 groups (G1: red LED; G2: infrared LED; G3 laser). Age range from 18 to 50 years. |
Maximum mouth opening, scale for pain with palpation |
LED V (630nm) and LED IV (850nm) both with power of 150mW, 9J per point and fluency of 18J/cm2. Laser IV (780nm), 70mW, 4.2J/pt and fluency of 105J/cm2
|
Irradiation on five points, three on TMJ, one on the temporal, and one on the masseter. Two sessions a week for 4 weeks. |
Significantly eased the pain in all groups, a significant increase in maximum mouth opening in all groups |
Sumen et al., 2015, Turkey (
33
)
|
To evaluate the efficacy of IMES and laser therapy in patients with myofascial pain |
45 individuals with myofascial pain and active trigger points, divided into 3 groups (G1: laser + stretching; G2: IMES + stretching; G3: stretching). Mean age 41 years. |
VAS for pain intensity, pain threshold with pressure, cervical movement |
Laser V (670nm), 4J/cm2, pulsatile, maximum power of 5mW |
Irradiation on the upper trapezius five times a week for two weeks, for 10 minutes |
Improvement in all parameters in both groups |
Cavalcanti et al., 2016, Brazil (
34
)
|
To evaluate the effectiveness of laser in the treatment of pain associated with TMD |
60 women with moderate and severe TMD randomized into laser group, placebo group, and conventional therapy group. Age range from 20 to 50 years. |
Pain with muscle palpation |
Laser IV (780nm), 70mW, 1.4J/point, 20s, fluency 35J/cm2
|
Irradiation in five points: lateral pterygoid (intraoral), intra-auricular, preauricular, insertion and origin of the masseter; for 20 seconds, every other day, for 4 weeks |
In the last reassessment, all the patients of the placebo group presented pain, whereas none of the patients in the laser and conventional therapy group presented pain. |
Carli et al., 2016, Brazil (
35
)
|
To compare the effectiveness of laser with that of botulinum toxin A for myofascial pain |
15 individuals with myofascial pain and difficulty to open the mouth, randomized into laser group and toxin group. Mean age 38 years. |
Maximum mouth opening and VAS for pain |
Laser IV (830nm), 100mW, continuous emission, fluency 80J/cm2
|
Irradiation on localized contact on two points of the masseter (origin and insertion) and one on the temporal, bilaterally. Seven applications with intervals of 48 hours. |
The laser group significantly eased the pain 12 days after beginning the irradiation. The toxin group, only after 30 days from the first application. None of the groups had a significant improvement in mouth opening during the treatment. |
Magalhães et al., 2016, Brazil (
36
)
|
To investigate the effects of laser therapy in blood circulation speed, cholinesterase, and serotonin levels |
10 women with a chronic headache associated with TMD. Age range from 20 to 50 years. |
Mandibular mobility, pain with movement, pain with muscle palpation; Doppler ultrasound for blood circulation velocity; blood analysis |
Laser IV (830nm), 100mW, 3.4J, 110J/cm2
|
Single irradiation on the painful points of the masseter and temporal, for 34s |
Pain intensity decreased significantly; the blood circulation velocity decreased significantly; the serotonin levels increased. |
Santos et al., 2016, Brazil (
37
)
|
To evaluate the effect of laser therapy on the spasticity of the masseter and temporal anterior muscles |
30 children with spastic CP. Mean age 10 years. |
Bite strength and maximum mouth opening |
Laser IV (808nm), fluency of 3J/cm2, 2.4J/pt |
The masseter and temporal muscles were irradiated for 20s on one point, for three consecutive weeks, totaling 6 applications |
Decreased bite strength and increased maximum mouth opening were found after 3 weeks of application |
Alayat et al., 2017, Egypt (
38
)
|
To evaluate the efficacy of the multiwave locked system (MLS) and laser IV in the treatment of patients with chronic cervical pain |
75 men with chronic cervical pain. Mean age 46 years. |
Cervical dysfunction index, VAS for cervical pain |
Laser IV, a mean energy density of 50J/cm2, scanner mode |
Scanner phase: applied on the neck extensors, sternocleidomastoid, and upper, medial, and lower trapezius. Trigger points phase: eight trigger points, 4 on each side of the posterior region of the neck |
Decreased values of VAS and cervical dysfunction index after the treatment, compared with the base values |
Costa et al., 2017, Brazil (
39
)
|
To determine the effects of laser therapy on the analgesia of the masticatory muscles |
60 individuals with pain in the masseter and temporal muscles. Mean age 38 years. |
VAS and algometer for pain and muscle palpation, maximum mouth opening |
Laser IV (830nm), 100mW, fluency of 100J/cm2, 28s per point, 2.8J/pt |
Five irradiation points: anterior, medial, and posterior temporal, and upper and lower masseter. Single application. |
Significantly eased the pain with algometer in both groups, with the VAS, no difference. No significant difference in maximum mouth opening. |
Hosgor et al., 2017, Turkey (
40
)
|
To evaluate the effectiveness of four treatments for TMD: pharmacological, intraoral stent, laser therapy, and arthrocentesis |
40 individuals with unilateral TMD. The side of the asymptomatic TMJ was considered the control group. Mean age 30 years. |
maximum mouth opening and VAS for pain, joint clicking, MRI of the TMJ |
Laser IV (1064nm), 500mW per 180s, 321J/cm2
|
Irradiation on the temporal and masseter muscles and the mandibular condyle, 1 to 2 cm away from the skin, 3-minute sessions, three times a week, for 4 weeks |
Mouth opening increased and the pain eased in all the groups, with no statistical difference between them |
Kagan et al., 2017, USA (
41
)
|
To determine the effectiveness of LED therapy in easing the symptoms of vocal fatigue |
16 adults with no vocal complaints, LED group, placebo group, and heat group. Age range from 22 to 35 years. |
Acoustic and aerodynamic evaluation and self-evaluation of vocal effort |
Simultaneous LED V (628) and IV (828) matrix, for 20 min |
The LED matrix was placed on the region over the thyroid cartilage lamina, bilaterally, for 20 minutes |
All the groups worsened after the vocal fatigue exercise and improved after the treatment, in the immediate assessment, and after 1h. Only in the red LED group, the improvement was significant after 1h. |
Magri et al., 2017, Brazil (
6
)
|
To analyze the effect of laser therapy on pain intensity, orofacial and body sensitivity in specific points, and on the SF-MPQ |
108 women, 66 with myofascial pain, divided into laser group, placebo group, and control group. Mean age 38 years. |
VAS for pain, pain threshold with palpation, SF-MPQ |
Laser IV (780nm), 5J/cm2, power 20mW, 10s/pt |
Irradiation on three points of the masseter and temporal muscles and TMJ; two sessions a week for 4 weeks |
Significantly eased the pain for laser and placebo, with no changes in pain threshold with pressure between the laser and placebo groups and with no significant changes in the questionnaire |
Rezazadeh et al., 2017, Iran (
42
)
|
To evaluate the effectiveness of TENS and laser therapy in the treatment for TMD without drug response |
45 individuals with drug-resistant TMD, divided into TENS group and laser group. Mean age 30 years. |
VAS for pain evaluation, Helkimo protocol |
Laser IV (980nm), fluency of 5J/cm2, power 200mW |
Irradiation on three regions bilaterally, including the joint and trigger points for 2.5min, eight sessions in two weeks |
The pain in the TENS group decreased faster (2 sessions) than in the laser group (3 sessions) and remained significantly lower in the TENS group in all follow-up sessions |
Santos et al., 2017, Brazil (
43
)
|
To evaluate the efficacy of laser in the width of the masseter and maximum opening of the mouth |
52 children with spastic CP, an experimental group with complaints of oral hygiene, control group with no complaints of oral hygiene, control group without CP. Mean age 11 years. |
Ultrasound of the masseter, maximum mouth opening |
Laser IV (808nm), 120mW power, 3J/cm2, 2.4J/pt, 20s |
Irradiation on one point of the masseter, once a week for six weeks |
The experimental group presented significantly higher values for the width of the masseter and maximum mouth opening after six applications |
Brochado et al., 2018, Brazil (
44
)
|
To compare the effectiveness of photobiomodulation and manual therapy in the treatment of pain, restriction of movements, and psychosocial disorders and anxiety in TMD |
41 individuals with myogenic or arthrogenic TMD, with pain and limited mouth opening. Laser group, manual therapy group, combined group. Mean age 44 years. |
VAS for pain, RDC, Anxiety Questionnaire |
Laser IV (808nm), localized contact, 100mW, 3.33W/cm2, fluency of 133J/cm2, 40 seconds per point, 4J/pt |
Irradiation on 12 points: 5 On the TMJ region, 3 points on the masseter, 3 on the temporal, 1 on medial pterygoid. Three times a week for four consecutive weeks |
All the groups significantly eased the pain, improved mouth opening, and calmed the anxiety |
Godoy et al., 2018, Brazil (
45
)
|
To evaluate the effect of phototherapy in bite strength, mandibular mobility, sensitivity to palpation, and fatigue |
52 healthy young individuals with no complaints, divided into laser group and placebo group. Age range from 18 to 23 years. |
Bite strength, maximum mouth opening, and VAS for fatigue sensation |
Laser IV (780nm), fluency of 25J/cm2, 50mW, 20s/pt, 1J/pt |
Irradiation on three points of the masseter, one on the temporal |
There were no changes in mandibular mobility and bite strength; fatigue increased. |
Herpich et al., 2018, Brazil (
46
)
|
To determine the immediate effects of phototherapy on pain intensity, pain threshold with pressure, mandibular movement, and electrical activity in women with TMD |
60 women with TMD, divided into Group 1 (2.62J/pt),Group 2 (5.24J/pt), Group 3 (7.86J/pt), Group 4 (placebo). Age not specified. |
VAS for pain intensity, pain threshold with pressure, maximum mouth opening, electrical activity of the masseter and temporal muscles |
Super-pulsed laser-cluster IV (905nm), LED V (640nm), LED IV (875nm) |
Irradiation on three points of the temporal and two on the masseter, Group 1 20 sec/pt; G2 40 sec/pt; G3 and 4 60 sec/pt |
Significantly eased the pain immediately, 24h, and 48h in G1, 2, and 3. No differences in pain threshold with pressure, electrical activity, and mandibular mobility. |
Lauriti et al., 2018, Brazil (
47
)
|
To evaluate the effect of photobiomodulation on bite strength, facial edema, mandibular movements, and pain in patients with mandibular fractures |
12 men with mandibular fractures, divided into experimental and placebo group. Mean age 34 years. |
Maximum mouth opening, jaw laterality, protrusion, edema measurement, and bite strength, VAS for pain |
Laser V (659nm), continuous mode, 200 s, 21.6J/cm2
|
Irradiation on 10 points (region of the incision, 3 on the masseter and 1 on the temporal, bilaterally) for 15 sessions, three sessions a week |
The laser group presented a significant improvement in less time for laterality and protrusion, with no difference for maximum mouth opening. Also, significant improvement in bite strength when compared with the placebo. No difference for edema and pain |
Mendonça et al., 2018, Brazil (
48
)
|
To evaluate the immediate effect of laser therapy on muscle fiber conduction velocity and electrical activity of the upper trapezius muscle |
20 healthy individuals that received laser therapy and placebo. Mean age 23 years. |
EMG |
Laser IV (820nm), 30mW, 2J/pt totaling 18J, fluency of 72J/cm2, 67s |
Irradiation on nine points 1 cm away in three rows and three columns, on the medial region of the upper trapezius |
No effect was found for muscle fiber conduction velocity; however, the laser significantly decreased the amplitude of the electromyographic signal |
Rasca et al., 2018, Belgium (
49
)
|
To evaluate the effectiveness of laser therapy in mouth opening due to acute mandibular trauma |
50 individuals with acute and painful posttraumatic trismus. Mean age 41 years. |
Maximum mouth opening |
Laser IV (810nm), 1W, scanner mode at a distance of 2 to 4 cm, 2cm per second |
Irradiation on the regions of the TMJ, masseter and temporal, for 120 s, and internally on the medial pterygoid for 7s |
Significant increase in maximum mouth opening |
Souza et al., 2018, Brazil (
50
)
|
To compare the analgesic effect of lidocaine and laser therapy in painful points of patients with orofacial pain and fibromyalgia |
66 individuals diagnosed with fibromyalgia and orofacial pain, divided into laser group and lidocaine group. Mean age 46 years. |
VAS for pain intensity |
Laser IV (780nm), 50mW, 2J, 50J/cm2
|
Irradiation on the selected points for 40 s, 1cm away from the skin, two sessions a week for 6 weeks |
Both groups presented significantly eased pain, with no statistical difference between them |
Sveshtarov et al., 2018, Bulgaria (
51
)
|
To compare the pain relief with laser radiation dosage (785nm) and superluminous LED (633nm + 880nm) in the treatment of TMD |
124 individuals with painful TMD. Mean age 40 years. |
VAS for pain intensity |
LED cluster V and IV, 500mW, 300s, 8J/cm2 per point. Laser IV, 100 seconds, 8J/cm2 per point. Mean of 33.51J per session, with 21.06J of laser and 12.25J of LED |
The LED and laser clusters were positioned over the affected muscles and trigger points |
The greatest decrease in pain was due to the LED dose, followed by laser + LED, and lastly, laser |
Kiraly et al., 2018, Hungary (
52
)
|
To compare the effects of shockwave therapy and LLLT in patients suffering from myofascial pain syndrome of the trapezius |
61 patients diagnosed with myofascial pain syndrome of the trapezius, divided into laser group and shockwave group. Mean age 62 years. |
VAS for pain intesity, neck functionality and quality of life |
Laser (not specified the wave length), scanner and pulsed mode; regions around the trigger point 2000Hz (800mW), 3J/cm2 for 2 min; trigger point 5000Hz (2000mW), 9J/cm2 for 2 min |
Once daily for 15 days, over the trigger point and the region around it |
Resting pain and pressure pain significantly decrease in both groups, neck functionality improved in both groups, the quality of life domains of physical function, energy and pain significantly improved in both groups |
Mansourian et al, 2019, Iran (
53
)
|
To assess the efficacy of LLLT and TENS as adjunctive to pharmaceutical therapy for treatment of myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome |
108 patients,divided into three groups: LLLT+drugtherapy; TENS+drug therapy; drug therapy. Mean age 29 years. |
VAS for pain intensity |
Laser IV (810nm), 0.2W,continuous wavelength, 2J/cm2, 10s |
10 sessions (2 per week), over painful muscles: masticatory muscles, sternocleidomastoid and trapezius |
Pain intensity improved in LLLT and TENS groups in the third week of treatment with a significant difference from the drug therapy group |
Chellappa et al, 2020, India (
54
)
|
To compare the effectiveness of TENS and LLLT for treatment of patients with TMD |
60 patients with orofacial pain were randomly divided into two groups: LLLT and TENS. Age range from 18 to 25 years. |
VAS for maximum pain-free mouth opening and pain intensity during palpation |
Laser V (672nm), 50mW, 3J/point, scanning mode |
2 sessions/week for 3 weeks. Irradiation on tender points of masseter, temporalis, condylar region and intra-auricular portion, for 120s |
A significant decrease in VAS scores following LLLT and TENS were found, but LLLT group had a better outcome |
Shahimoridi et al, 2020, Iran (
55
)
|
To examine the effectiveness of polarized low-level laser therapy in reduction of pain of myofascial trigger points in the trapezius muscle and compare with LLLT group |
64 patients with MTP, randomly divided into two groups: PLLLT and LLLT with 32 subjects in each. Mean age 43 years. |
VAS for pain intensity |
Laser IV (755nm), 6J/cm2, continuous mode, 160mW |
Laser was applied to all painful trigger points of the trapezius, , 5 session a week per 2 weeks |
The reduce in pain intensity was significant for both groups. The impact of LLLT on pain reduction was significantly greater than that of PLLLT. |
Nadershah et al,2020, Saudi Arabia (
56
)
|
To examine the effectivesess of photobiomodulation in the treatment of myofascial type of TMD |
202 patients diagnosed with unilateral myofascial pain TMD, randomly assigned into test group (n=108) and control group (n=94). Mean age 34 years. |
VAS for pain intensity during function |
Laser IV (940nm), 7w laser beam, 2.8 cm2 spot size, continuous mode, 2 cm from the skin |
Irradiation extraorally in 5 points: at the temporal, zygomatic, angle of the mandible, preauricular and mastoid areas, for 2 min, 24s/point, 120s total, 300J of energy total. Application occured every 48h for 10 days. |
The test group VAS values were significantly different from the control group with the test group scoring lower pain |
Mandani et al, 2020, Iran (
57
)
|
To compare the efficacy of LLLT vs laser acupuncture therapy (LAT) in TMD-affected patients. Mean age 32 years. |
45 patients with TMD divided into 3 groups of 15 patients: Group 1 LLLT; Group 2 LAT; Group 3 placebo |
VAS for pain intensity at rest and function, maximum pain-free mouth opening |
Laser IV (810nm), 200mW, 30s/point, 21J/cm2,continuous mode |
Irradiation on tender muscle points, mandibular condyles and inside the external acoustic meatus, 10 sessions |
The average pain scores reduced significantly in both LLLT and LAT groups but not on the placebo group |