Effects of Core Strengthening Exercises for Treating TMD
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-80
SponsorLoyola University
About this trial
Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are commonly managed with non-invasive interventions such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, relaxation techniques, and patient education. Core strengthening (also known as abdominal strengthening) is a fundamental element of physical therapy that engages deep and superficial trunk musculature to enhance postural control and functional performance. Protocols such as the Shirley Sahrmann progression have demonstrated increased activation of key core stabilizing muscles. Emerging evidence suggests a potential relationship between core stability training and reductions in TMD-related pain, though improvements in functional outcomes remain inconclusive. Biomechanical links between the pelvic floor, spine, and temporomandibular joint further support the rationale for core-focused interventions. Nevertheless, few studies have isolated the effects of core strengthening on TMD symptomatology. This study seeks to determine whether the integration of core stability exercises into TMD management can reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life.
Eligibility criteria
This trial does not accept healthy volunteersQualifiers
None
Disqualifiers
None
Trial design
Design model
Parallel
Treatments tested in this trial
Experimental: Group 1: Core Strengthening
BehavioralParticipants perform Shirley Sahrmann core exercises (5 progressive levels maintaining neutral spine and deep core activation), possibly adding upper extremity movements. Standard TMD PT includes jaw exercises, manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, neuromuscular re-education, and patient education. A home exercise program (\~20 min/day) is provided with printed and video instructions.
Group 2: Standard TMD PT
BehavioralParticipants receive standard TMD PT including jaw exercises (Rocabado 6x6), manual therapy for TMJ and cervical spine, soft tissue mobilization, neuromuscular re-education to improve jaw mechanics, and education on jaw positioning, diet/chewing modifications, and parafunctional habits. A home exercise program is provided as part of treatment.
Treatment groups
50 Participants
are divided into 2 treatment groupsGroup A: Group 1: Core Strengthening + Standard TMD Physical TherapyExperimental treatment 2 interventions
Group B: Group 2: Standard TMD Physical TherapyActive comparator 1 intervention
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
TMD Pain (e.g., Visual Analog Scale/Numeric Pain Rating)
Time frame
Baseline and post-intervention (6 PT sessions), assessed up to 6 weeksSecondary outcomes
1
Neck Disability Index (NDI)
This measure evaluates how neck pain affects a person's ability to perform everyday activities. It uses the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a questionnaire scored from 0% to 100%, where 0% means no disability and 100% represents complete disability in daily life.
Time frame
Baseline and post-intervention (6 PT sessions), assessed up to 6 weeks2
Compliance with Home Exercise Program (HEP)
Assessed via participant-completed exercise diaries, tracking adherence to prescribed daily exercises.
Time frame
Throughout the 6-week intervention period (daily tracking, summarized at post-intervention)3
Functional Measures from TMJ Scale
This measure objectively evaluates jaw movement and functional performance, including mobility, deviation, and deflection. It uses the Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) Dysfunction Scale, which consists of 10 questions scored from 0 to 4. The total score is converted to a percentage, where higher percentages reflect greater levels of dysfunction or disability.
Time frame
Baseline and post-intervention (6 PT sessions), assessed up to 6 weeksSponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Loyola University
Lead sponsor
Loyola University Chicago
Sponsor institution
Loyola University Chicago
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov
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