Comparison of force profiles from two musculoskeletal palpation methods: A methodological study.

Publisher: Blackwell Scientific Publications Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0433604 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1365-2842 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 0305182X NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Oral Rehabil Subsets: MEDLINE

Original Publication: Oxford, Blackwell Scientific Publications.

Facial Pain*/diagnosis ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders*/diagnosis; Adult ; Humans ; Pain Measurement/methods ; Palpation/methods ; Temporomandibular Joint

Background: The Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) protocol recommends a 5 s and 1 kg force dynamic palpation around the lateral condylar pole of the temporomandibular joint. However, the accuracy and precision of the generated force are not known.
Objective: To assess and compare the force profiles generated from dynamic palpation manually and using a palpometer, based on the forces and time recommendations suggested by the DC/TMD protocol.
Methods: Nineteen healthy adults applied forces of 0.5 kg, 1.0 kg and 2.0 kg on a calibrated force sensor in a circular motion within target times of 2 s and 5 s. Participants used their right index finger for manual palpation and a calibrated palpometer for device-assisted palpation. Ten repetitions of each target force at both target times were applied. Time taken to complete each application was recorded. Repeated measures analysis of variance was used for analysis of accuracy measured as the relative difference between targeted force and actual force values and precision measured as the coefficient of variation (CV) within the 10 repeated measurements.
Results: Accuracy was significantly lower (better) and precision higher (lower CV) with the palpometer than with manual palpation (p < .001). There were significant differences in accuracy and precision between the different forces but not palpation times. Most participants could not achieve the target times and tended to be faster, irrespective of the palpation method (p > .063).
Conclusion: A palpometer is a more accurate and precise palpation method for dynamic force assessment compared to manual palpation; however, it remains difficult to standardize the palpation duration.
(© 2024 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

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Keywords: DC/TMD; arthralgia; dynamic force; palpation; temporomandibular joint

Date Created: 20240119 Date Completed: 20240409 Latest Revision: 20240409

20240409

10.1111/joor.13651

38240374