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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07407127

Cervical Muscle Endurance and Pressure Pain Threshold in University Students With TMD: A Case-Control Study

Aim: This study aims to compare the static endurance of cervical region muscles, pressure pain thresholds of selected muscles of the stomatognathic system, and postural characteristics in young adults with and without temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

Method: A total of 60 university students aged between 18 and 25 years will be included in the study. Participants will be divided into two groups: individuals with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD group, n=30) and healthy controls (control group, n=30). The static endurance of cervical flexor and extensor muscles will be assessed using standardized endurance tests. Pressure pain thresholds of the temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid, and upper trapezius muscles will be measured using a pressure algometer. Postural characteristics will be evaluated using the New York Posture Analysis (NYPA).

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Key information

Conditions

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Craniomandibular Disorders Jaw Diseases Joint Diseases Mandibular Diseases Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Pain Threshold Stomatognathic Diseases Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Igdir University

Iğdır, 76000, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

The socio-demographic data of the individuals, including age, height, weight, etc., were recorded. The Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) was used to identify the presence of TMD, and individuals with a score above 15 (FAI≥15) were determined to have TMD. Additionally, individuals' muscular endurance was assessed using a standard endurance test, pressure pain thresholds were measured with an algometer, and posture was evaluated using the New York Posture Analysis.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Currently enrolled as a student at Igdır University.
  • The inclusion criterion for the TMD group was defined as scoring 15 points or more on the Fonseca Anamnesis Index (FAI), while the criterion for the control group was an FAI score below 15.

Exclusion criteria

  • Underwent surgery in the neck or mandibular regions
  • Had a history of intervertebral disk problems, regardless of clinical symptoms
  • Experienced mechanical neck pain for ≥3 months
  • Had scoliosis
  • Had reducible or irreducible displacement of the temporomandibular joint disk
  • Had a history of trigeminal neuralgia
  • Were undergoing orthodontic dental treatment

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Cervical Muscle Endurance Assessment

    Time frame: 2 week

    Static endurance of cervical flexor and extensor muscles was measured in seconds. Extensors: participants lay prone, lifted the head slightly, and held a 2-kg weight as long as possible. Flexors: participants lay supine, performed slight craniocervical flexion, and maintained the position. Test ended with pain, loss of position, or sufficient endurance. Intra-observer reliability: flexors 0.71-0.93, extensors 0.73-0.85.

  2. Pressure Pain Threshold Assesment

    Time frame: 2 week

    Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured using a Baseline Push-Pull Force Gauge® algometer with a 1 cm rubber tip. After familiarization, pressure was applied perpendicularly to the most sensitive points of the upper trapezius, masseter, temporalis, and SCM muscles until participants reported pain. Each site was tested three times with ≥20 s intervals, and the average value was recorded as the PPT.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Posture Assessment

    Time frame: 2 week

    Posture was assessed using the NYPA, evaluating alignment of 13 body regions including head, neck, shoulders, back, waist, hips, and ankles. Each region was scored 1 (severe impairment), 3 (moderate), or 5 (good), giving a total score of 13-65. Scores were categorized as very good (≥45), good (40-44), moderate (30-39), poor (20-29), or bad (≤19). Reliability coefficients range from 0.93 to 0.98.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kırıkkale University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Investigation of Cervical Muscle Endurance and Pressure Pain Threshold in University Students With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction: A Case-Control Study

Acronym: TMED-CME-PPT

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2024
Study completion
2024
First posted
Feb 12, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 12, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

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This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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