Electromyographic activity of the masseter muscle after radiofrequency therapy in an animal model.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to examine changes in the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the masseter muscle after radiofrequency therapy (RF).

METHODS

Twelve rabbits were used in this study: four in each group according to the number of RF applications. Preoperative EMG in the masseter muscle was used as the control. EMG was recorded at 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks after RF in each rabbit. The recorded data were analyzed in terms of voltage and frequency, and changes in recorded variables were compared among the groups. The relative activity in peak voltage, root mean square of the action potential, area of voltage, and area of frequency were investigated.

RESULTS

When compared to preoperative values, the variables at 3 or 4 weeks after RF application were significantly different in the single and quadruple therapy groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the other groups (P>0.05). When the samples were regrouped as two groups like small number of application group (one or two point) and large number of application group (three or four points), the area of voltage and the area of frequency were significantly different between the groups at 4 weeks (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Masseter muscle activity after RF was significantly decreased compared to its preoperative state. The decreased activity was related to the number of applications and time elapsed after RF.