Changes involving temporomandibular joint, masticatory musculature, and associated structures characterize temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD). The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect produced by photobiomodulation has contributed to pain relief and functional improvement. However, the parameters to be used have not yet been well established. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of three different photobiomodulation dosimetries in the treatment of patients with TMD. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 44 subjects divided into the groups 8 J/cm (n = 11), 60 J/cm (n = 11), 105 J/cm (n = 11), and control (n = 11). Pain, symptom severity, and joint mobility were evaluated before and after a ten-session protocol of photobiomodulation with AlGaAs laser (830 nm), at a power density of 30 mW/cm. The mouth opening increased in the 8-J/cm group from 10.49 ± 4.68 to 15.40 ± 6.43 degrees, and in the right protrusion from 9.80 ± 4.2 to 12.56 ± 5.40 degrees after the intervention protocol (p < 0.05). All groups significantly decreased pain (p < 0.05). 830-nm laser photobiomodulation was effective in reducing TMD pain and symptoms at all doses tested. Only the doses of 8 J/cm were effective regarding maximal opening and protrusion of the mandible.

Background. Chronic nonspecific low back pain impairs function in affected individuals. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) has shown to be effective in reducing the intensity of chronic nonspecific low back pain and should be used as a complementary treatment. The same can be said for electroacupuncture (EA), which consists of the application of electrical stimulation through punctured needles in acupuncture meridians, generating physiological reactions and leading to therapeutic effects. Objective. To compare the effects of EA and TENS in subjects with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Methods. Blind randomized clinical trial of 48 subjects with chronic nonspecific low back pain. The patients were allocated to the following groups: Conventional Kinesiotherapy (CG), Conventional Kinesiotherapy plus Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (CTENSG), and Conventional Kinesiotherapy plus Electroacupuncture (CEAG). The individuals were evaluated before and after interventions and at a 30-day follow-up for the following factors: pain level, flexibility, lumbopelvic stability, and function. A total of ten interventions were performed three times a week for four weeks. Results. All groups significantly improved pain. However, CEAG reduced pain significantly more than GTENSG and CG (p < 0.05). The three groups significantly improved function at endpoint (p < 0.05). Regarding the Roland Morris questionnaire, GCEAC scored significantly lower than CTENSG and CG (p < 0.05). Lumbopelvic stability improved in all tests for CEAG and CG. Conclusions. The association between electroacupuncture and exercise improved pain, function, and lumbopelvic stability in comparison to exercise alone or in association with TENS.

Introduction. Disc Protrusion (DP) is a degenerative spinal disorder. Lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion is one of the most common orthopedic injuries, leading to low back pain that radiates to the lower limbs. Physical exercise is the main element in the conservative treatment of low back pain. Objective. Comparing the effects of the McKenzie method and core stabilization exercises on the rehabilitation of patients with lumbar DP. Methods. We allocated sixty-nine patients with low back pain due to disc protrusion to the Core Group (CG), the McKenzie Group (MG), or the Core + McKenzie Group (CMG). All groups underwent three interventions per week for four weeks, totaling 12 sessions. We assessed pain intensity, hamstring flexibility, functional capacity, muscle strength, and lumbopelvic stability. Results. All intervention groups significantly reduced pain intensity and functional disability, besides improving posterior muscle chain flexibility, quality of life, trunk muscle strength, and lumbopelvic stability (p < 0.05). For functional capacity, assessed through the SF-26 Questionnaire, as well as for posture holding time in the lumbopelvic stability tests, the CG and CMG significantly improved the results compared to the MG (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The results suggest that both exercise methods were efficient in reducing pain and improving function in patients with low back pain due to disc protrusion. However, the groups that used stabilization exercises showed better results in activating lumbopelvic stabilizing muscles.

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The application of Kinesio Taping® associated with physiotherapy improved SpO2 of non-hypoxemic patients with COPD exacerbation. Further studies should be conducted to evaluate the method in the long run and in another outcome.