Replication Data for: Effects of adding electro-massage to manual therapy for the treatment of individuals with myofascial temporomandibular pain

Objective: To evaluate the effect of the addition of dynamic cervical electrical stimulation (electro-massage) to manual therapy (MT), compared to MT alone, in individuals with myofascial temporomandibular pain. Methodology: A total of forty-six participants with bilateral myofascial temporomandibular pain for at least 3 months were distributed into two groups. Group 1 (n=21) received local MT consisting of soft tissue mobilization and release techniques over the neck and temporomandibular regions. Group 2 (n=25) received an ES procedure in the cervical region combined with the same intervention as group 1. All participants underwent a 2-week protocol. The primary outcomes were pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), pressure pain threshold (PPT) at masseter and upper trapezius muscles (algometer), and pain-free vertical mouth opening (manual gauge). The secondary outcome was active cervical range-of-movement. Measurements were taken at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at a 4-week follow-up. Results: The ANOVA revealed significant changes over group*time, with better results for group 2(large effect sizes) for pain intensity (p< 0.001; η2>0.14), pressure pain sensitivity and mouth opening (p<0.001; η2>0.14). Similar findings were observed for active cervical range-of-movement in all directions (p<0.001; η2>0.14), except rotation (p≥0.05). Conclusion: Electrical stimulation therapy over the cervical region combined with a MT protocol over the neck and temporomandibular joint shows major clinical benefits than MT alone in subjects with myofascial temporomandibular pain. Registration code: NCT04098952 (2024-07-26)