Assessment of central sensitization in patients with temporomandibular disorders using the "central sensitization inventory" and pressure pain thresholds

Details

Supervisors

Roussel, Nathalie ; Pitance, Laurent

Faculty

Faculté des sciences de la motricité

Degree label

Master [60] en kinésithérapie et réadaptation

Abstract

Patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) may present components of central sensitization (CS). CS has not been assessed using both pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) questionnaire in this population. The aims of our study were to assess the reliability of PPT testing; the CS in patients with TMD compared to healthy subjects using both remote-PPT and CSI; the psychosocial dimensions linked to CS. The preliminary study evaluated the reliability of PPT testing at the right tibialis anterior (TA) muscle using a handheld digital pressure algometer. Intra-class correlation coefficients were calculated. The second study involved two parts: recruitment of subjects; assessment of CS using the CSI questionnaire and the PPTs, and completion of seven self-report questionnaires. Non-parametric tests on median differences were realized. The preliminary study confirmed the reliability of PPT testing. Test-retest, inter-rater and intra-rater reliabilities were very good to almost perfect. For the second study, the sample characteristics did not allow to realize significant tests and make inferences. But comparing patients with TMD with one another, we could report: no differences regarding the PPT variable but well regarding some psychosocial variables (anxiety, depression, and repercussion in the daily-life). Future research is needed to assess the association between the PPT measurement and the CSI as screening tools in patients with TMD.