Journal of oral rehabilitation
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Comparative Study Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial
Hormone-dependent fluctuations of pressure pain threshold and tactile threshold of the temporalis and masseter muscle.
In order to better objectify reported pain and disturbed sensation, psychophysical parameters as pressure pain threshold (PPT) and tactile threshold (TT) have been introduced in pain research. The present study evaluated fluctuations of these parameters, obtained using an algometer (PPT) and von Frey hairs (TT), in relation to fluctuations in female reproductive hormones. Ten students not using oral contraceptives and eight students using oral contraceptives participated in the study. ⋯ Scores on the left temporalis muscle appeared significantly higher than that on the right side. In all subjects the PPT tended to be higher on the left side, while in students using oral contraceptives, the PPT values of the temporalis muscle were significantly higher in the menstrual phase, and lower in the follicular phase. A significant correlation between the PPT of the temporalis muscle and the TT of the overlying skin was observed.