Reproducibility of the Rocabado pain map.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to demonstrate the reproducibility of the Rocabado pain map (RPM) through its application by different evaluators. METHODS: Forty participants (18-45 years old) were evaluated. The examiners applied RPM by searching for painful areas, and their intensities were measured through the visual analog scale (VAS). In addition, presence and degree of joint laxity were estimated. RESULTS: Reproducibility values for antero-inferior synovial (zone 1), lateral ligament (zone 3), temporomandibular ligament (zone 4), posterior-inferior synovial (zone 5), and posterior ligament (zone 7) showed high intraclass correlation (ICC) values (above 0.7). Anterior-superior synovial (zone 2) and posterior-superior synovial (zone 6) showed ICC values above 0.4. DISCUSSION: RPM is reproducible. A "fair" concordance according to Fleiss's criteria in zone 2 (ICC 0.42) and zone 6 (ICC 0.64) might be explained by the difficulties involved in moving the condyle from the upper synovial (zones 1,5) to the lower synovial (zones 2,6).

Symmetrical activity of the chewing muscles and its relationship with skeletal class and body posture.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the role of body posture and skeletal class in the symmetrical activity of chewing muscles. METHODS: Descriptive study with association. Skeletal class measured by the Steiner method. Postural analysis through APECS mobile application for forward head posture and shoulder discrepancy, and surface electromyography with Biopac® device. RESULTS: The skeletal class, forward head posture, and shoulder discrepancy presented statistical association with the symmetrical electromyographic response of digastric muscles and masseter muscles during swallowing. DISCUSSION: This study exhibited a positive relationship between digastric muscle symmetry and skeletal class during swallowing. The compensation of the hyoid system explains these results, showing that skeletal Class III has better electromyographic balance. In contrast, masseter muscle symmetry during swallowing presented a negative relationship with skeletal class. The stabilization role that this muscle plays during swallowing explains these findings, caused by the different lengths and direction of this muscle in skeletal Class III.