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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07232303

The Effect of Cervical Stabilization Exercises in Temporomandibular Joint

The purpose of this study is; to determine the efficacy of cervical stabilization exercises in the treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint disfunction

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Key information

Conditions

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder Craniomandibular Disorders Jaw Diseases Joint Diseases Mandibular Diseases Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Stomatognathic Diseases Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Istanbul Yeniyüzyıl University Gaziosmanpaşa Hospital Dental Polyclinic

Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Thirty patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint dysfunction who were included in the study were randomly assigned to the 15-person control group and the study group. Patient training and home exercises for jaw joint were given to the control group while cervical stabilization exercise program was given to the study group. The program was administered by the patients for 6 weeks. Pre-treatment and post-treatment evaluations; active and passive maximum mouth openness, joint sounds, cervical range of motion, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Short Form Quality of Life Scale (Short Form-36), Tampa Kinesophobia Scale in Temporomandibular Disorders (TKS-TMD) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the data obtained were analyzed statistically.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Having a complaint of temporomandibular joint for more than 3 months.
  • To be literate in Turkish.
  • Having signed the Informed Consent Form.

Exclusion criteria

  • -Those with active infection
  • Presence of neurological, rheumatological and musculoskeletal problems that prevent exercise
  • Vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency

Treatment and study plan

Cervical Stabilization

Other

Cervical range of motion exercises with craniocervical flexion, unilateral, bilateral and reciprocal shoulder flexion and abduction exercises, cervical isometric exercises with an exercise ball, unilateral, bilateral and reciprocal shoulder abduction when the exercise ball is between the wall and the head, and flexion exercises, exercise band and shoulder joint range of motion exercises with the exercise ball between the wall and the head were given to the study group. In the 3rd week, exercises were started with an exercise ball and elastic bands. All exercises were applied 3 times a day for 10 repetitions for 6 weeks.

Home Exercises

Other

The exercise program included mouth opening and closing against resistance, right-left lateral flexion movements, active mouth opening and closing, bilateral lateral flexion, protrusion, and retrusion. Stretching required the patient to perform the restricted movement, pushing their jaw toward the restricted direction with their hand, holding for 10 seconds, relaxing, and repeating. It also included self-massage in the form of stroking. All exercises were performed three times a day for 6 weeks, with 10 repetitions.

Patient educating

Other

The training content includes information about the disease, recommendations for a soft diet, avoidance of parafunctional habits, demonstration of diaphragmatic breathing, and notifications to ensure correct posture.

Primary outcomes

  1. A Visual Analogue Scale

    Time frame: Change from initial assessment to 6 weeks after initial assessment

    A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is one of the pain rating scales used for the first time in 1921 by Hayes and Patterson. It is often used in epidemiologic and clinical research to measure the intensity or frequency of various symptoms.The TMJ pain caused by resting and activity of the individuals was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (0-10 interval scale) and was valued according to VAS.

Secondary outcomes

  1. ROM TMJ

    Time frame: Change from initial assessment to 6 weeks after initial assessment.

    A 15 centimeter plastic ruler was used for ROM evaluation for TMJ. Depression of the active and passive mandible, lateral deviation (right and left), and protrusion were measured

  2. Cervical ROM

    Time frame: Change from initial assessment to 6 weeks after initial assessment

    Cervical region ROM was evaluated with goniometer. Flexion, extension, rotation and lateral flexion (right and left) were measured. Each measurement was made 3 times and the mean value was recorded

  3. Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale in Temporomandibular Disorders

    Time frame: Change from initial assessment to 6 weeks after initial assessment

    A 12-question questionnaire developed by Visscher and his friends, used in temporomandibular joint dysfunctions. 4-point Likert-type scoring is used. A total score of 12-48 is obtained. The higher the score a person receives, the higher the kinesiophobia.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bahçeşehir University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effect of Cervical Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Mobility and Functionality in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Important dates

Study start
2017
Primary completion
2017
Study completion
2017
First posted
Nov 18, 2025
Registry last updated
Nov 18, 2025

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

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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