An investigation into the effect of muscle energy technique of the temporomandibular joint on the strength of the hip flexors

Item

Title
An investigation into the effect of muscle energy technique of the temporomandibular joint on the strength of the hip flexors
Author(s)
Couldridge Nicky
Abstract
Muscle energy technique (MET) is commonly used in a clinical setting. However, there is little research into its affects on distal muscle strength.
OBJECTIVES
To investigate the immediate affect on hip flexor muscle strength following a muscle energy technique to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), using a Digital Myograph (DMG).
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND RESEARCH
The causes of temporomandibular disorders (TMJD) are controversial. Postural abnormalities have been postulated as a causative factor and range form leg length discrepancies or fascial restriction and dysfunction elsewhere in the body. Research has turned its attention to the correlation between head movement and muscle strength of the hip flexors. Feedback from proprioceptors and somatosensory feedback all over the body are involved in maintenance of dynamic posture of the head, trunk and arms. It is essential to assess the effect of a temporomandibular joint technique on distal hip muscle strength
METHODOLOGY
33 male subjects aged 19-43 years (10 control and 23 TMJ treatment intervention subjects) were selected from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine (BCOM). Fastened in a seated position, all participants were instructed to perform 3 maximal isometric contractions of both hip flexors. Following a rest interval a control group (consisting of 10 subjects) continued to rest and the intervention group (consisting of 23 subjects) received a MET to their right TMJ. Both groups performed 3 repeated maximal contractions of their hip flexors. The measurements were taken using a Digital Myograph, which recorded peak and total force in non-specific DMG units. The pre-post readings were compared for each group.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Statistical analysis using Student paired t-test found a non-significant difference between pre-post readings for the control group and the intervention group for the left leg (p>0.05). Conversely there was a significant difference between the pre-post readings for the treatment intervention group for the right leg (P<0.05).
The inferential analysis for the control paired data indicated that the two means were not significantly different, indicating a reproducible result. The inferential analysis for the TMJ intervention group found significant change in the peak and total force of the ipsilateral hip flexors.
CONCLUSION
The current study concludes that a MET to the right TMJ causes an immediate change in the strength of the ipsilateral hip flexors. A causative relationship cannot be substantiated by this study and would require further investigation.
presented at
British College of Osteopathic Medicine
Date Accepted
0
Date Submitted
1.1.1970 00:00:00
Type
osteo_thesis
Language
English
Submitted by:
62
Pub-Identifier
13626
Inst-Identifier
1076
Recommended
0
Item sets
Thesis

Couldridge Nicky, “An investigation into the effect of muscle energy technique of the temporomandibular joint on the strength of the hip flexors”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 6, 2024, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/1131