An oral rehabilitation robot for massaging the masseter and temporal muscles: a preliminary report

Abstract

Objectives This study determined suitable conditions for masseter and temporal muscle massage using a specially fabricated robot and evaluated its effects on patients with TMJ dysfunction associated with myofascial pain. Methods The robot was designed with two arms with six degrees-of-freedom, and equipped with plungers. A phase-1 trial examined 22 healthy volunteers to determine its safety and suitable massage pressure, examining three different pressures. The volunteers evaluated their comfort, warmth, and ease of mouth opening by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS). A phase-2 trial examined the safety, suitable dose regimen, and efficacy in 12 patients. Maximal mouth opening was measured, and muscle pain and massage were evaluated subjectively. Results The robot was safe in the phase-1 trial, except for two massages in which the pressure was excessive. Massages at 6-10 N were given the highest VAS scores. In phase 2, the massage pressure was arbitrary and each muscle was massaged seven times for 1 min, three times every two weeks. After evaluating the efficacy, additional treatments were performed at a greater pressure or for longer. The massage treatment was very effective for most patients. Conclusion The massage treatment was safe and effective for most patients when administered at a pressure of 6-10 N seven times for 1 min per muscle every two weeks. The robot may constitute a useful tool for treating TMJ dysfunction associated with myofascial pain.

Intramuscular changes of soft and hard areas after low-level static contraction of the masseter muscle and the correlations with muscle hardness and increase in water content: evaluations with sonographic elastography and magnetic resonance imaging

“…A future study with more detailed distribution analysis regarding the soft and hard areas would resolve this problem and provide a more adequate indication because massage is considered to have a marked effect on edematous muscle. 23,26,30,31 In conclusion, this paper described intramuscular changes of the masseter muscle after a low-level static contraction of the masseter muscle in the healthy volunteers with SE imaging based on magnetic resonance imaging features. The soft area and muscle thickness on SE images corresponded to the water content indicating edematous change, and the hard area contributed to the total hardness of the masseter muscle.…”

“…26,30 The hardness of affected muscles is reduced after massage treatment together with improvement of sonographic indices of edematous change including echogenic band alteration. 23,26 However, the indication of this treatment has not been completely established.…”

Der RelaxBogen® als neues Therapiemittel bei Bruxismus und CMD

“…Craniomandibular disorders · Musculoskeletal system · Jaw · Neck muscles · Pain nisse in Hinblick auf die therapeutische Wirkung bei myofaszialen Schmerzen erzielen [23,24]. findung.…”

A Mechatronic System for Quantitative Application and Assessment of Massage-Like Actions in Small Animals

“…Moreover, only a few measure the actual mechanical loads applied to the subject tissues. 2,43 In other words, current robotic devices only substitute hands or palms of the practitioners while the loading parameters are still determined by anecdotal experience and the perception of patients and practitioners.…”