What is this study trying to find out about temporomandibular joint disorders?

This study is exploring whether adding vagus nerve stimulation to manual therapy better reduces pain, increases jaw movement, and improves quality of life for people with temporomandibular joint disorders. The research is conducted by the University of Alcala and focuses on improving treatments for this condition. Participants can expect careful monitoring and evaluation throughout the trial.

Who may be eligible for this temporomandibular joint disorder clinical trial?

Adults 18 years and older with a diagnosis of myogenic temporomandibular disorder who have experienced pain in the last 30 days may be eligible. Participants should not have received physiotherapy in the past 3 weeks and must not be using certain medications like sedatives or anti-inflammatories. The trial is open to all genders. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this temporomandibular joint disorder clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the study treatments and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for any travel or accommodation costs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID05272488

A Combined Treatment of Manual Therapy and Nervous Vagus Stimulation Versus Manual Therapy Alone in Patients With Myogenic Temporomandibular Disorders

Led by University of Alcala · Updated on 2026-05-01

Participants Needed

Research Sites

52 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating treatments for temporomandibular disorders TMD, which are increasingly common and affect jaw function and cause pain. This study aims to evaluate whether combining manual therapy with vagus nerve stimulation, a nerve linked to pain and jaw function, offers better relief and improved quality of life than manual therapy alone. The study involves 20 participants diagnosed with myogenic TMD, focusing on pain, jaw movement, and distress. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one receiving manual therapy combined with vagus nerve stimulation and the other receiving only manual therapy. Both groups undergo four physiotherapy sessions, one per week over a month, and are trained to continue treatment exercises at home over two months. The manual therapy includes joint manipulation and soft tissue techniques for the jaw. Throughout the study, an independent evaluator will assess participants monthly using questionnaires to measure chronic pain, jaw function, physical symptoms, range of motion, and distress. The main outcomes are changes in health status and chronic pain after two months. This double-blind, randomized study ensures unbiased results by keeping evaluators unaware of group assignments. Participant involvement spans two months of treatment and assessments.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

A Combined Treatment of Manual Therapy and Nervous Vagus Stimulation in Patients With Myogenic Temporomandibular Disorders

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Clinical diagnosis of myogenic pain according to the CD / TTM diagnostic criteria
Presence of pain during the last 30 days
Patients with decreased jaw function and mobility due to pain
Patients who have not received physiotherapy treatment in the last 3 weeks
Patients of legal age

You will not qualify if you...

Patients using sedatives, anti-inflammatories, antidepressants, anxiolytics, or muscle relaxants
Patients with cardiac pacemakers or implanted defibrillators
Patients diagnosed with severe cardiorespiratory or respiratory diseases, cancer, infections, or systemic pathologies
Diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder of joint or mixed origin
Patients with psychiatric or psychological disorders, intellectual or motor disabilities preventing proper exercise or questionnaire completion
Patients with dental procedures scheduled during the study or surgery in the last 3 months
Patients with pain resulting from local or general trauma
Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, or degenerative diseases

Research Team

Patricia Martinez-Merinero, PhD

Daniel Pecos-Martin, PhD

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