To determine the effectiveness of 8 weeks motor control training using visual feedback (MCTF) when compared with a placebo TENS intervention on pain intensity, neck disability, jaw function, and maximum mouth opening (MMO) in women with TMD.
This study is a triple-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized controlled trial (RCT). This study was conducted at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, Canada. It involved 103 women with primary TMD symptoms (Myogenic and Mixed TMD). The eligibility was determined using the standardized DC/TMD assessment. Participants were randomly assigned to either a motor control training using visual feedback (MCTF) or a placebo group (TENS). Both groups underwent an eight-week program, with two sessions per week for the first four weeks and one session per week for the subsequent four weeks. The main outcomes of this RCT were pain intensity, neck disability, jaw function, and mouth opening measured with a Visual Analogue Scale, Neck Disability Index, Jaw Functional Limitation Scale, and a ruler, respectively, at baseline, two months, and six months post-treatment. A mixed effects model was employed to determine whether a statistical significance difference existed between the groups on VAS, NDI, JFLS, and MMO at baseline, two months, and six months post-treatment. Data were analyzed with STATA software, and group status was blinded to the analyst.
Of 103 participants who received the treatment, forty-six (88.5%) from the treatment group and forty-seven (92%) from the placebo group completed their respective treatments. The data indicated that subjects receiving neck exercises improved MMO when compared to placebo treatment with MMO (active) , at 2 months Coeff = 3.82mm [95%CI = 6.74 , 0.89] (p=0.010) and 6 months Coeff = 3.82mm [95%CI = 6.74, 0.89] (p=0.038) and MMO ( passive) at 2 months Coeff = 3.16mm [95%CI = 5.93, 0.398] (p=0.025). No significant differences were found between the groups for other outcomes. More elaborated analysis and results will be presented during the conference.
The findings of this study provide an interesting initial perspective on the management of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD). Integrating neck motor control exercises into rehabilitation protocols may offer valuable benefits for managing TMD symptoms and enhancing patient outcomes. Thus, observed outcomes emphasize the need to conduct further research to gain a deeper understanding of interventions effectiveness
The results of this study will contribute to improved decision-making, and better understanding of management strategies, and the potential development of structured rehabilitation programs for patients with TMD.
Temporomandibular joint disorders
Exercises
