The reliability of MyotonPRO in assessing masseter muscle stiffness and the effect of muscle contraction

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are accompanied by masticatory muscle-related pain, making it meaningful to assess the stiffness of the masticatory muscles. The present study investigated the intra- and interoperator reliabilities of MyotonPRO for assessing the elasticity of masseter muscles, to determine minimal detectable changes, and to quantify changes in stiffness from conditions of relaxation to maximal contraction. Material/Methods: Twenty healthy subjects (10 men and 10 women) were recruited. The stiffness of their masseter muscles was quantified with MyotonPRO in both relaxed and maximal contraction conditions. Two experienced operators (A and B) measured stiffness on the same day, and operator A repeated this procedure 5 days later. Results: Intra-rater reliability was good (ICC=0.78) and inter-operator reliability was excellent (ICC=0.95) for assessing masseter muscle stiffness with MyotonPRO. The mean stiffness of the masseter muscle on the dominant side was 369.5 N/m under relaxed conditions and 618.3 N/m at maximum bite force, an increase of 67.4%. Stiffness on the dominant and non-dominant sides did not differ significantly under both conditions (P>0.05). Conclusions: MyotonPRO is a reliable method for quantifying the stiffness of the masseter muscle and monitoring its changes under different contraction conditions.