Effects of myotherapy combined with photobiomodulation on the lips: a randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Purpose to compare the maximum pressure, average pressure, and labial resistance of healthy adults undergoing myotherapy combined with photobiomodulation at different doses. Methods a randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted. The non-probabilistic sample consisted of 12 individuals with a mean age of 21.8 years, randomly assigned to three distinct groups for intervention with photobiomodulation. The exercises were the same for all participants. In group 1 (G1), participants received photobiomodulation at a dose of 7 J per point; in group 2 (G2), participants received 9 J per point; and in the placebo group (PG), participants underwent the same procedures as in the other groups, but the device was turned on without being activated (placebo). The wavelength used was infrared. Participants received photobiomodulation three times a week, with a 48-hour interval, for eight weeks. Myotherapy was performed at home by participants three times a day, five times a week, for eight weeks. Clinical assessment of the lips, maximum pressure, average pressure, and labial resistance were conducted using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI) before and after intervention. Results There were no results indicating an increase in maximum or average lip pressure; however, there was an increase in labial resistance in G1. Conclusion Photobiomodulation associated with myotherapy, with the parameters and methodology used in this study, did not result in an increase in lip pressure but promoted an increase in resistance in the group exposed to 7 J per point