Changes in sternocleidomastoid and descending portion of trapezius muscles in terms of electromyography and pressure pain threshold: women with chronic neck pain after acupuncture treatment.

Objective: To evaluate the sternocleidomastoid and the descending portion of the trapezius muscles in terms of electromyographic activity and pressure pain threshold in women with chronic cervical pain after acupuncture treatment.

Methods: Twenty-five women, aged 18-50 years [(31±3) years], with chronic neck and temporomandibular disorder participated in the study. The electromyographic activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the descending portion of the trapezius muscle were recorded at rest, during shoulder elevation, (left and right) rotation of the neck and crucifix position.

Acupuncture and temporomandibular disorders: a 3-month follow-up EMG study.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the levels of electromyographic (EMG) activation and maximal molar bite force before and after a 3-month acupuncture therapy in individuals with temporomandibular disorder (Helkimo Index) from a pool of subjects attending the Special Care Course of the Ribeirão Preto Dental School, São Paulo University, Brazil.

Design: All 17 patients, aged between 37 and 50 years (44.2 +/- 4.