Effects of photobiomodulation on auriculotherapy points for sleep disorders, anxiety, and temporomandibular dysfunctions.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluatephotobiomodulation applied at auriculotherapy points forsleep disorder (SD) and anxiety related to temporomandibulardysfunction (TMD).

METHODS

The study consisted of two groups of 20 participants: Auriculotherapy group (A) and Control Group(C). The participants responded to the RDC/TMD, Fletcher & Luckett questionnaires, and the Beck Anxiety Inventory to analyze TMD, SD, and anxiety before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

The participants presented scores corresponding to mild to moderateanxiety (MDN = 17; CI = [13.16;22.31]) and after treatment, normalor non-existent anxiety (MDN = 9; CI = [8.76; 17.12]) (p = 0.005). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the controland 20 auriculotherapy groups for TMD and SD.

DISCUSSION: The results suggest that auriculotherapy was effective in the treatment of anxiety. However, it did not prove effective with the results of the SD and symptoms of TMD.