The accuracy and reliability of the Turkish version of the Fonseca anamnestic index in temporomandibular disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the Turkish version of the Fonseca anamnestic index (FAI-T). METHODS: The cultural equivalence of the FAI was established according to the International Network for Orofacial Pain and Related Disorders Methodology. The test-retest reliability, internal consistency, and diagnostic accuracy of the FAI-T was carried out in a sample of 66 controls and 139 patients with TMD. Diagnostic accuracy of the FAI-T was evaluated against the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders. RESULTS: Internal consistency analysis resulted in a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.805. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values of each index question ranged from 0.739 to 0.897. FAI had a high level of accuracy (area under the ROC curve of 0.928). CONCLUSION: The results provide considerable evidence that the FAI-T can be used as a screening tool for the identification of TMD in Turkish-speaking populations.

An investigation of the changes in mechanical properties of the orofacial and neck muscles between patients with myogenous and mixed temporomandibular disorders.

Objective: To investigate the possible changes in the mechanical properties of the orofacial and neck muscles in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).Methods: The study included a total of 98 females. Females were divided into three groups as myogenous TMD, mixed TMD, and healthy controls. The frequency (indicator of muscle tone), stiffness, and decrement (related to muscle elasticity) values of the sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, cervical extensor, and masseter muscles were measured using a portable myotonometer.Results: The frequency, stiffness, and decrement values of the masseter muscle were higher in the mixed and myogenous TMD groups than those of the control group (p < 0.017). The mixed TMD group had higher frequency and stiffness values in the upper trapezius muscle compared with the control group (p < 0.017).Discussion: The results suggest that the mechanical properties of the oral and neck muscles may be affected in patients with TMD.

An investigation of the sex-related differences in the stiffness of the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle: Inter-observer reliability and inter-day repeatability and the effect of ankle joint motion.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to investigate sex-related differences in the stiffness of the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle at rest and tensioned state. Another purpose of the study was to investigate the inter-observer reliability and inter-day repeatability of MyotonPRO, a portable myotonometer, in measuring tendon and muscle stiffness. METHODS: The study included 73 healthy participants (19 males for the reliability and repeatability study; 24 males and 30 females for the experimental study) with an age range of 19-27 years. The stiffness of the Achilles tendon and medial gastrocnemius muscle was measured with a portable myotonometer (MyotonPRO). The stiffness measurements of the Achilles tendon and medial gastrocnemius muscle were performed at 0° and 10° of ankle joint dorsiflexion. The stiffness measurements were performed by two physiotherapists to determine the inter-observer reliability of the device. For the inter-day repeatability (or between-day precision), the same individuals were reassessed by the same examiner after a 3-day interval. RESULTS: It was found that MyotonPRO has excellent inter-observer reliability and inter-day repeatability in measuring the stiffness of the Achilles tendon and medial gastrocnemius muscle (ICC=0.83-0.98). The stiffness of the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle at neutral and 10° joint dorsiflexion was higher in males compared to females (p<0.05); however, the stiffness value of difference between neutral and 10° joint dorsiflexion for the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle was similar in both groups (p>0.05). DISCUSSION: The obtained results suggest that MyotonPRO is a reliable and repeatable device in measuring the stiffness of the Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle. Furthermore, males have stiffer Achilles tendon and gastrocnemius muscle, compared to females; however, the change in the stiffness of the assessed tissues caused by joint motion was similar in both sexes.