Clinical trial NCT06994910: Temporomandibular Disorders Physiotherapy
Official title: Investigation Into the Effectiveness of Maitland Joint Mobilization in Alleviating Symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorders, Enhancing Joint Function, and Oral Behaviors
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: COMPLETED
Phase: NA
Conditions: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)
Keywords: Temporomandibular Disorders
Physiotherapy
Maitland Mobilization Technique
Lead sponsor: Palestine Polytechnic University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2025-05-29
Enrollment: 30
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Standard ages: ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP
Intervention model description: A single group of participants received the intervention. Outcomes were measured before and after the intervention within the same group to assess changes over time
Primary purpose: SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Brief summary: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Maitland joint mobilization technique in alleviating symptoms related to (temporomandibular disorders) TMD and to investigate its influence on patient clinical outcomes, including pain intensity, TMJ range of motion (ROM), functional limitations, disability, and oral behaviors.

Detailed description: Physiotherapeutic procedures for TMD aim to reduce pain, enhance neuromuscular coordination and strength, and promote joint range of motion (ROM), mastication, mouth opening, and general mobility. The literature highlights a variety of physiotherapy techniques used to treat TMD, including manual therapy, stretching, active and passive exercises, as well as modalities like thermotherapy, ultrasound, electrotherapy, iontophoresis, laser therapy, shockwave therapy, infrared therapy, kinesiology taping, and dry needling. Clinical research supports the efficacy of physiotherapy as a conservative treatment for TMD, effectively addressing pain, muscular dysfunctions, and psychosocial factors. Optimal results are achieved through a combination of therapeutic exercises and manual therapy, which is considered one of the most effective approaches.

The Maitland joint mobilization technique is a key physiotherapeutic procedure for managing TMD. This technique involves passive, rhythmic joint mobilizations aimed at restoring joint functionality and alleviating pain. The technique employs five grades of mobility, each designed for specific therapeutic goals. Grades I and II are used to reduce pain and relax soft tissues, while Grades III, IV, and V focus on addressing joint hypomobility by stretching soft tissues and improving joint mobility. The technique enhances both osteokinematic and arthrokinematic movements, with osteokinematic referring to voluntary joint motion, and arthrokinematic to the small, involuntary movements that occur during normal joint ROM. Maitland joint mobilization utilizes controlled forces in specific directions, based on Kaltenborn's concave-convex rule, to optimize both movements and improve joint function. This research is essential for providing further evidence that supports enhanced physiotherapeutic techniques, resulting in enhancing patient clinical outcomes and enhancing professional practices for the optimal management of TMD.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis: individuals diagnosed with TMD, whether it is unilateral or bilateral.
* Myofascial pain and myo-spasm.
* Anterior disk displacement with reduction and anterior disk displacement without reduction.
* Craniofacial and craniomandibular pain.
* Myofascial pain with or without limited mouth opening.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with a documented history of surgical procedures involving the TMJ.
* Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of systemic diseases (e.g., rheumatic and metabolic diseases).
* Patients with congenital or developmental craniofacial anomalies, including conditions like as ankylosis.
* Patients with diagnosed cancer.
* Patients with mental, physical disorders and language difficulties.
* Patients with diagnosed neuropathic and dental pain.
* Patients with diagnosed general myopathy (e.g., fibromyalgia).

Primary outcomes:
measure: Pain intensity
timeFrame: Pain will be measured at baseline (pre-intervention) and after completion of the 4-week intervention (post-intervention)
measure: Temporomandibular joint range of motion
timeFrame: Temporomandibular joint range of motion will be assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and after the 4-week intervention (post-intervention).
measure: Jaw functional disability
timeFrame: Jaw functional disability will be assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and after the 4-week intervention (post-intervention).
measure: Oral behaviors
timeFrame: Oral behaviors will be assessed at baseline (pre-intervention) and after the 4-week intervention (post-intervention).
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Hebron
country: Palestinian Territory, occupied
facility: Palestine Polytechnic University
Study officials:
References: