Date of Award

1982

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Health Sciences

College

College of Health Professions

First Advisor

James Robinson

Second Advisor

Michael Zetz

Third Advisor

Christopher Fredericks

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Fluori-Methane vapocoolant spray, as used in the spray and stretch technique, on decreasing a prolonged silent period duration in the masseter muscle. Ten subjects were selected, all of whom were identified as having masseter muscle dysfunction and/or spasm. The population consisted of two males and eight females, whose ages ranged from 24-58. The silent period duration of the masseter was measured following elicitation of the jaw-jerk reflex. Five readings were taken and the mean silent period duration was calculated. All means longer than 35 milliseconds were considered prolonged. An EDX 1000 electromyograph and Beckman standard size silver surface electrodes were used in recording the data. The amount of mandibular depression available was also measured. Once these measurements were completed, each subject was treated using Fluori-Methane vapocoolant spray, as used in the spray and stretch technique. The silent period duration and amount of mandibular depression were then remeasured in the same manner as was done prior to treatment. The pre and post-treatment data was then analyzed using the t-test for related measures. The effectiveness of Fluroi-Methane on decreasing a prolonged masseter silent period duration was significant at the .005 level of significance for directional tests. The effectiveness of Fluori-Methane on increasing mandibular opening was significant at the .0005 level of significance for directional tests. These results are consistent with the expected outcome and reinforce previous studies that have found Fluori-Methane to be effective in reducing muscle spasms. This study also provides a means for objectively measuring the progress of a patient with masseter spasms who is undergoing physical therapy management.

Rights

All rights reserved. Copyright is held by the author.

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