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Barão VAR, Garcia Gallo AK et al. J Prosthodont Res 2011; 55: 19–23

Intense muscle activity results in vasoconstriction, an accumulation of metabolites with associated pain, and a reduction in muscle temperature. Using facial thermography, other studies have shown temperature changes on the skin of faces in those with temporomandibular joint dysfunction(s) (TMD). The aim of this study was to ascertain if the use of a hard stabilisation splint for those with TMD (n = 30), worn every night for 15 days, was associated with changes in temperatures of selected oro-facial muscles. Diagnosis of TMD was made using the Research Diagnostic Criteria questionnaire and a physical examination. The temperature of the skin overlying these oro-facial muscles was measured twice before and twice after splint therapy. After wearing the splint, there was a significant increase in temperature of all muscles examined (repeated-measures ANOVA, using nested data).