Comparison of Orofacial and Tongue Exercises Added to Myofunctional Therapy Versus Myofunctional Therapy Alone in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders on Pain and Function

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate if orofacial exercises improve function and reduce pain in adults with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It compares the effects of orofacial and tongue exercises combined with manual therapy against manual therapy alone. The study also examines the safety of these exercises and their impact on jaw and tongue functions. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention group will receive orofacial and tongue exercises plus myofunctional therapy, while the control group will receive only myofunctional therapy. Myofunctional therapy includes home exercises, cervical movements, and massage techniques targeting jaw muscles. The interventions occur twice weekly for 6 weeks, totaling 12 sessions, each lasting about 45 minutes. During the study, participants will undergo assessments every two weeks to measure pain intensity, pain thresholds, jaw function, tongue strength, and quality of life through questionnaires and instrumental tests. Researchers will monitor adherence to both supervised and home exercises using exercise logs. The study period includes enrollment, baseline assessment, intervention, and repeated evaluations until the end of treatment at 6 weeks.

Effects Exercises in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders on Pain, Joint and Tongue Functions