Orofacial pain and global proprioceptive resonance: effects on neuromuscular and postural systems

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Global Proprioceptive Resonance (GPR) by MFV on muscle performance and body balance in healthy subjects and in orofacial pain patients. The application of Mechanical Multifocal Vibration (MFV) at targeted frequencies and short duration produce positive effects on bone structure, muscles and joints regulating neuromuscular response. Methods: Sixty volunteers (36 males - 24 females, 19-25 years) underwent, in a randomized order, both the electromyography- electrognatography (EMG-EGN) and stabilometry before the GPR and immediately after it. GPR was the ergonomic structure used in this protocol: it gives a psyco-physical release thanks to multifocal vibrations. 30 patients (16 males - 14 females, 18-32 years) with orofacial pain were studied too. Results: The effects of GPR on the stomatognathic muscles induced statistically significant change (p<0.01). The results showed a significant improvement in the neuromuscular activity. From a postural point of view, there was an improvement in the loads distribution and in the position of the barycenter. There were effects in body balance tests, too (p<0.01). Patients have improved their orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders after GPR applications p<0.01). Conclusions: In this preliminary study it was concluded that the GPR induced changes both in neuromuscular and in postural tests. Further and future studies should focus on evaluating the effects on temporomandibular disease and orofacial pain patients, as well as the long term effects.