International Research Study in Brazil Involving the TMJ Scale-another in a series of published studies
In addition to the many published research studies over the years in the U.S. involving the TMJ Scale, studies in other countries and cultures have also been ongoing. Many have expressed an interest in reading about such studies. Therefore, this is one example of a study done in Brazil.
Nasr MK, Bataglion C, Nunes L de J, Bataglion SAN, Paiva AF, "Application of the TMJ Scale and Electromyography in Masseter and Anterior Temporal Muscles in Subjects with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction With and Without Orthodontic Treatment and Operative Dentistry Restorative Treatment: Comparative Study", Jornal Brasileiro de Oclusao, ATM e Dor Orofacial, 2(5): 34-43, 2002.
This research had as its objective to verify in subjects at university all presenting temporomandibular joint dysfunctions and with operative restorative dentistry, divided in two groups, with and without orthodontic treatment, the electromyographic activity of the masseter and anterior temporal muscles in different mandibular positions, and the validity of the anamnestic questionnaire TMJ Scale. The results showed that, at the rest position and in maximum habitual intercuspation, the group of the subjects with orthodontic treatment showed less electromyographic activity in relation to the group that had not received orthodontic treatment, however the activities were shown more balanced. In the right and left movement, in both groups, there was a greater activity in the ipsilateral temporal muscles, in relation to the contralateral muscle. The TMJ Scale showed that this questionnaire appeared to be reliable and that it can be applied to the practice of dentistry, either in private or in epidemiologic studies.