Photobiomodulation in the treatment of trismus in patients treated for oral or oropharyngeal cancer: a randomized controlled clinical trial

ABSTRACT

Purpose

to investigate the effectiveness of the association between low-frequency photobiomodulation and traditional speech therapy in the treatment of trismus in patients treated for oral or oropharyngeal cancer.

Methods

controlled, randomized, longitudinal and prospective clinical trial, carried out in accordance with the norms of the CONSORT 2010 declaration. For data collection, a sociodemographic questionnaire, clinical evaluation, measurement of mouth opening by caliper, the protocol of McGuill pain and the WHOQOL-Bref quality of life protocol. The sample consisted of 30 participants, of both genders, aged between 35-75 years, divided into two groups, control and experimental, in a controlled manner, through an equal draw with regard to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

through the analyzed data, it was observed that there was an increase in the vertical amplitude of the mandible in both groups, CG: p0.19, as well as in relation to orofacial pain and quality of life, p= 0.72, both assessments after the speech therapy intervention, however, with better results for the EG, p<0.001.

Conclusion

It is concluded that the traditional speech therapy intervention and its association with low-frequency photobiomodulation are effective in the treatment of trismus. For orofacial pain and quality of life, associated treatment is more beneficial.

Keywords:
Phototherapy; Facial pain; Trismus; Myofunctional therapy; Rehabilitation