TMJ Dysfunction and Motor Severity in Children With CP

NCT07043517 | Completed DMC

• 2 other identifiers: TMDCPPrevalanceYOK-Tez-ID:896940
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 517
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to examine the function of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ)-the jaw joint-in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Children with CP often experience difficulties in jaw movement, pain, or involuntary grinding of teeth (bruxism), which can affect their ability to eat, speak, or smile comfortably. The research will investigate how the severity of motor impairment, as classified by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and different CP subtypes are related to jaw function problems. The study also explores the relationship between bruxism and TMJ pain and dysfunction. By performing clinical evaluations of mouth opening, jaw movements, muscle tenderness, and pain levels, this study hopes to identify early signs of TMJ problems. The goal is to provide better recommendations for early screening, therapy, and rehabilitation for children with CP, especially those with more severe motor impairments.

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy; Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

Keywords

cerebral palsy; temporomandibular joint; GMFCS

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Functional Status

  Evaluation of TMJ functions using maximum mouth opening (mm), lateral jaw movement (mm), presence of joint sounds (click/crepitus), palpation tenderness, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain.

  Single assessment at baseline

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Bruxism Prevalence

  Single assessment at baseline

• Gross Motor Function Level (GMFCS)

  Single assessment at baseline

• CP Subtype Distribution

  Single assessment at baseline

Study Arms (1)

Cerebral palsy

GMFCS Level 1-4

Other: RDC/TMD

Interventions

RDC/TMD OTHER

TMJ functions were assessed using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD).

Cerebral palsy

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 6 Years - 18 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Child (0-17), Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years who have been clinically diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) and classified within Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) Levels I to IV. Participants will be recruited from pediatric neurology and physical therapy outpatient clinics of tertiary hospitals. The population is expected to represent a diverse range of CP subtypes (spastic, dyskinetic/ataxic, and mixed) and levels of functional motor impairment, allowing for subgroup analysis in relation to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. Participants must be able to comply with basic oral-motor assessments and have obtained informed consent from their parent(s) or legal guardian(s).

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) by a pediatric neurologist, based on standard clinical criteria.
• Aged between 6 and 18 years.
• Classified as GMFCS Levels I to IV.
• Able to comply with clinical assessment procedures.

You may not qualify if:

• GMFCS Level V (due to inability to cooperate with TMJ examination).
• History of craniofacial trauma, surgery, or congenital maxillofacial anomalies.
• Presence of neuromuscular diseases other than cerebral palsy.
• Active temporomandibular joint infection or acute systemic illness at the time of evaluation.
• Ongoing use of muscle relaxants or botulinum toxin injections in the jaw region within the past 6 months.
• Inability to complete the TMJ clinical examination due to behavioral or cognitive limitations.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istanbul Arel University: lead
• Kayseri University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Kayseri University

Kayseri, Kayseri, 38130, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Cerebral Palsy; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Brain Damage, Chronic; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Craniomandibular Disorders; Mandibular Diseases; Jaw Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Joint Diseases; Muscular Diseases; Stomatognathic Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Target Duration: 1 Day
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Asst. Prof.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 21, 2025
• First Posted: June 29, 2025
• Study Start: July 30, 2023
• Primary Completion: January 30, 2024
• Study Completion: July 30, 2024
• Last Updated: June 29, 2025

Record last verified: 2025-06

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)