Effect of Phototherapy on Masseter and Anterior Temporal Muscles Before Induction of Fatigue: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Blind Clinical Trial

Abstract Objective: This is a randomized, sham-controlled, blind clinical trial that aimed to evaluate the effect of phototherapy on bite force, mandibular range of motion, sensitivity to palpation, and fatigue in the masseter and anterior temporal muscles of young patients when administered before the induction of fatigue. Materials and methods: Fifty-two healthy volunteers aged 18–23 years were randomly allocated to a laser group and sham group. Both groups were submitted to a clinical evaluation to record mandibular range of motion, bite force, muscle sensitivity to palpation, and muscle fatigue. The laser group was then submitted to phototherapy (780 nm, 25 J/cm2, 50 mW, 20 sec, and 1 J per point) on three points of the masseter and one point of the anterior temporal muscle on each side. The sham group was submitted to the same procedure, but with the device switched off. The volunteers were then instructed to chew two pieces of gum (one on each side) for 6 min, with the pace set by a metronome calibr...