Evaluation of Biofeedback Usefulness in Masticatory Muscle Activity Management—A Systematic Review

Abstract

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have multifactorial and complex etiology. Regardless of their etiology, all those conditions may result in centrally mediated chronic muscle pain, myalgia, myofascial pain, myofibrotic contracture, myosistis, myospasm, headache and a variety of neck, shoulder, upper back and lower back pain. Biofeedback (BF) is one of methods that has been used for more than 50 years in rehabilitation to facilitate normal movement patterns after injuries. Some studies suggest that biofeedback may be an effective treatment option for patients with different muscle disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of biofeedback in masticatory muscle activity management in the light of current medical literature. The authors followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines for this systematic review. The authors searched the MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL databases to identify relevant publications. Finally 10 papers were included. Most of the selected studies showed a significant correlation between biofeedback usage and reduction of masticatory muscle activity. By analyzing qualified studies, it can be concluded that biofeedback can be an effective tool in masticatory muscle activity management.