Effect of ULF TENS on the tonic response to eye opening of stomatognathic muscles in healthy subjects: sEMG analysis and correlations with psychometric self-assessment tests(CSI and DASS42)

Abstract

Literature suggests that sEMG (surface Electromiography) of stomatognathic muscles is different in subjects with open eyes and closed eyes in various pathological conditions. Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Nervous Stimulation (ULF TENS) is used in dentistry to evaluate the adaptation capacity of the autonomic and muscular system and, at the same time, some self-assessment scales (CSI and DASS42) can help the dentist to evaluate the state of central hypo-excitability/ dysregulation. The aim of this paper is to evaluate ULF TENS effect in condition of opened eyes and closed eyes and to link the sEMG response to Central Sensitization condition or psychological condition of evaluation scales score. 27 healthy patients have been analyzed with 8 channels sEMG. Four homologue muscle couples (masseters, anterior digastrics, sternocleidomastoid, and anterior temporalis) in condition of open eyes and closed eyes before and after ULF TENS were checked, after the compilation of CSI and DASS42 scales. Left Temporal Anterior sEMG scores with open eyes are significantly higher than those obtained with closed eyes. The increasing answer of electric tone is higher on the left side. After ULF TENS the left side muscles activation is reduced and this response to stimulation is inversely proportional to CSI and DASS42 scores. ULF TENS is highly effective on those patients acting on the nucleus for coupling between sensory stimulus and modulation of the autonomous behavioral response.