Work

Efeitos imediatos do laser de baixa intensidade sobre parâmetros morfológicos e funcionais do músculo masseter

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the immediate effects of low-intensity laser on morphofunctional parameters of the masseter muscle in healthy adults. Methods: volunteers aged 18 to 39 years without stomatognathic dysfunction were randomly allocated to two placebo groups, combined for analysis, and two experimental groups. The masseter was irradiated bilaterally at three points in a single session, with 3 Joules per point in one experimental group and 6 Joules per point in the other. Temperature, thickness, tone, stiffness, elasticity, bite force and electrical activity were assessed before and immediately after the session, at rest and during function. Data were analysed with generalized estimating equations and a significance level of 0.05 was assumed. Results: the thickness of the left masseter, during dental clenching, and the surface temperature of the left masseter changed over time, differently between groups (p=0.030 and p=0.038), with opposite directions between the two doses. The stiffness of the left masseter decreased over time (p=0.006), including in the placebo group, with no group effect or interaction, and the remaining parameters did not change. Conclusion: a single session of low-intensity laser produced limited and dose dependent immediate changes in two of the seven parameters assessed. The reduction in stiffness occurred in all groups and could not be attributed to the irradiation.

Source: Revista CEFAC

DOI: 10.1590/1982-0216/20262869725