NCT Number: NCT07130279
This planned randomized, single-blind clinical trial will investigate the effects of adding the Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) technique to a standard postural exercise program in individuals with moderate to severe temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Forty volunteers aged 18-25 years will be recruited and randomly assigned to either an experimental group (postural exercises + PIR) or a control group (postural exercises only). The intervention will be delivered three times per week for six weeks. Primary outcomes will include cervical range of motion, mandibular mobility, head anterior tilt, and thoracic kyphosis index, measured before and after the intervention. The study aims to determine whether PIR provides additional benefits to standard postural exercises in improving jaw and neck function and postural alignment in young adults with TMD.
Trial opening soon.
Get Notified18 year–25 year
All sexes
Interventional
Not applicable
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by jaw pain, limited mouth opening, and joint sounds, often accompanied by postural deviations such as forward head posture and thoracic kyphosis. Conservative treatments, including postural exercises and manual therapy, are recommended to improve jaw and neck function and reduce symptoms.
The Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) technique is a manual therapy method that uses gentle isometric contractions followed by passive stretching to reduce muscle tension and increase mobility. While PIR has been shown to improve masticatory muscle function, its combined use with postural exercises in TMD management has not been fully evaluated.
In this planned study, forty volunteers aged 18-25 years with moderate or severe TMD (diagnosed using the Fonseca Anamnestic Questionnaire) will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups:
Experimental group: Postural exercise program + PIR technique
Control group: Postural exercise program only
The postural exercise program will include strengthening, stretching, and mobility exercises for the cervical and thoracic regions, performed three times per week for six weeks. In the experimental group, the PIR technique will be applied to jaw muscles according to a standardized protocol.
Outcome measures will include:
Cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation) measured with a goniometer
Mandibular mobility (depression, lateral deviation, protrusion) measured with a caliper
Head anterior tilt (chin-sternum distance, occiput-wall distance)
Thoracic kyphosis index measured with a flexicurve
Assessments will be conducted before the intervention and after the six-week program. The primary hypothesis is that the addition of PIR to postural exercises will produce greater improvements in cervical and mandibular mobility than postural exercises alone.
This trial is expected to provide new evidence for combining manual therapy with exercise in the management of TMD in young adults and may help guide future rehabilitation strategies.
Healthy volunteers accepted: No
Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.
Inclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria
Participants will perform a standardized postural exercise program (strengthening, stretching, and mobility exercises for the cervical and thoracic regions) three times per week for six weeks. In addition, the Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) technique will be applied to jaw muscles during each session to reduce muscle tension and improve mandibular mobility.
Participants will perform a standardized postural exercise program designed to improve cervical and thoracic mobility and postural alignment. The program will include strengthening, stretching, and mobility exercises targeting the cervical spine, thoracic spine, and related musculature. Each session will last approximately 30-40 minutes and will be conducted three times per week for six weeks under the supervision of a trained therapist.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
The distance between the upper and lower central incisors during maximal mouth opening will be measured in millimeters using a caliper.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Cervical range of motion will be measured in degrees using a goniometer. Movements assessed will include flexion, extension, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left rotation.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
The horizontal movement of the lower jaw to the right and left will be measured in millimeters using a caliper.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
The anterior translation of the mandible will be measured in millimeters using a caliper.
Outcome Measure: Change in head anterior tilt - chin-sternum distance
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
The vertical distance from the midpoint of the chin to the superior border of the sternum will be measured in centimeters with a measuring tape.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
The distance between the occiput and the wall will be measured in centimeters while the participant stands in a natural posture against the wall.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention
Thoracic kyphosis will be evaluated using a flexicurve ruler to measure curvature from C7 to T12. The thoracic kyphosis index will be calculated as (thoracic width / thoracic length) × 100.
Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.
Sanem ŞENER
Other
The Effect of Post-Isometric Relaxation Technique on Cervical Range of Motion, Mandibular Mobility, Head Anterior Tilt, and Kyphotic Posture in Individuals With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
Acronym: PIR-TMD
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View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)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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