About this trial
This randomized clinical trial evaluates the effects of photobiomodulation with a superpulsed diode laser (810 + 980 nm) on orofacial pain and tension-type headache in children and adolescents. Sixty participants will be assigned to receive active PBM or sham therapy over eight sessions. Pain and anthropometric variables will be assessed.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
Children and adolescents 6 to 17 years of age enrolled at the medical and dental clinic of Universidade Nove de Julho (UNINOVE), Vergueiro Campus;
Children and adolescents who present with at least one symptom of orofacial pain and/or headache, according to the Faces Pain Scale and the childhood and adolescence headache questionnaire based on the ICHD-3
Disqualifiers
Pregnant adolescents;
Having taken corticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics in the previous 30 days;
Having taken isotretinoin;
Individuals who report photosensitivity to laser or LED in previous treatments.
Trial design
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Active Photobiomodulation
DeviceLocal photobiomodulation using a high-power superpulsed diode laser (GeminiEvo, Ultradent, USA) with dual infrared wavelengths (810 nm and 980 nm). Eight sessions will be conducted (twice a week for 4 weeks). Application will be at one point each on the masseter, temporal, trapezius, and temporomandibular joint regions. Each point will be irradiated for 13 seconds with 4 J of energy (10.52 J/cm²), in contact mode. The procedure includes safety measures such as protective eyewear and disinfection of the laser tip.
Sham Photobiomodulation
DeviceThe same application protocol as the experimental group will be followed, using the same laser device (GeminiEvo, Ultradent, USA), but with the laser emission deactivated. The guide light and sound will remain active to preserve participant blinding. Application points, duration, frequency, and session environment will be identical to the active group.
Treatment groups
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
Pain intensity based on Faces Pain Scale
The Faces Pain Scale will be completed weekly by the legal guardians during the second therapeutic session of each treatment week.
Headache classification using ICHD-3
The ICHD-3 questionnaire will be completed weekly by the legal guardians during the second therapeutic session of each treatment week.
Secondary outcomes
Light transmission
Light transmission will be assessed through each participant's index finger and cheek (masseter muscle) using a SPER Scientific Pocket Laser Power Meter. The measurement will follow the Yaroslavsky method and will be collected during the first treatment session.
Local temperature
Temperature will be measured using a dual infrared laser thermometer during the first treatment session, specifically during the application of photobiomodulation.
Locations
Sponsors and contacts
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