Unpublished MSc thesis, Wiener Schule für Osteopathie, 2007/03, 91, type of study: ,cct,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/3076)

Keywords:

masseter [10]
sympathetic nervous system [20]
WSO [508]

Abstract:

It was the objective of the study to evaluate whether an osteopathic strain-counterstrain (SCS) treatment of the suboccipital region has a normalizing effect on the masseter muscle and the autonomic nervous system. Design: 23 patients aged between 26 and 68 and presenting with temporomandibular symptoms were divided into two groups: one test group (composed of 14 test subjects) and one control group (composed of 9 test subjects) Method: Both groups were monitored before, during and after the strain-counterstrain treatment by means of biofeedback techniques (EMG of masseter) (finger temperature, skin conductance, pulse rate). Variance analysis: 1. Differences before and after the strain-counterstrain treatment 2. Differences before and during the strain-counterstrain treatment Results: 1. No effect of the strain-counterstrain technique applied to the suboccipital zone on the temporomandibular joint muscles and the autonomic nervous system was proven. While significant differences in skin temperature before and after the strain-counterstrain treatment were observed, these apply to both test group and control group. 2. Increased activity of the left masseter was measured during the strain-counterstrain treatment.