Relationship Between Upper Cervical Mobility and Temporomandibular Joint Range of Motion in Patients With Temporomandibular Disorders

NCT07371195 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Upper Cervical Mobility
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Upper cervical spine mobility plays a crucial role in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) function. This observational study investigates the relationship between upper cervical spine mobility and TMJ range of motion in patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Cervical hypomobility may restrict mandibular movement and contribute to TMJ dysfunction through shared biomechanical and neuromuscular mechanisms.

Conditions

Cervicogenic Headache; Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome; Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Keywords

Temporomandibular Joint; Temporomandibular Disorders; Upper Cervical Spine; Cervical Mobility

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• Upper Cervical Spine Mobility

  Upper cervical spine mobility (flexion, extension, and left and right rotation) will be measured in degrees using a CROM device. Participants will be seated in an upright position, and each movement will be measured twice following standardized procedures. The mean value of both readings will be used for analysis.

  Single assessment session (baseline only)

• Temporomandibular Joint Range of Motion (TMJ ROM)

  TMJ range of motion will be measured in millimetres using a standard ruler or digital calliper. Measurements include maximum mouth opening, lateral excursion (left and right), and protrusion. Each measurement will be taken twice, and the average will be recorded in millimetres to ensure reliability.

  Single assessment session (baseline only)

• Correlation Between Upper Cervical Mobility and TMJ Range of Motion

  The relationship between upper cervical spine mobility (measured in degrees using the CROM device) and TMJ range of motion (measured in millimetres using a ruler or calliper) will be analysed statistically. Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients will be applied, depending on data normality, to determine the strength and direction of association.

  Single assessment session (baseline only)

Study Arms (1)

Temporomandibular Disorder Group

Fifty patients with temporomandibular disorder will undergo evaluation of upper cervical spine mobility (flexion, extension, and rotation) and TMJ range of motion (opening, lateral excursion, and protrusion) using standardized instruments (CROM device and ruler/caliper).

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Participants will be adult patients (both male and female) aged 18 to 50 years who have been clinically diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction for more than three months. All participants will be recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Faculty of Physical Therapy, Deraya University, Minya, Egypt. Eligible participants will be medically stable and free from systemic or neurological disorders that could affect cervical or temporomandibular mobility.

You may qualify if:

• Medically stable individuals who consent to participate in the study.
• Age between 18 and 50 years.
• Both male and female participants.
• Patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction for at least three months.

You may not qualify if:

• Presence of systemic diseases.
• Body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m².
• Pregnancy.
• Recent physical therapy for cervical spine disorders, headaches, or temporomandibular dysfunction.
• Cervical radiculopathy or other neurological disorders.
• History of trauma or major psychological problems.
• Generalized joint hypermobility.
• Down syndrome.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Deraya University: lead

Study Sites (1)

faculty of physical therapy, Deraya University

Minya, Menia Governorate, Egypt

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome; Post-Traumatic Headache

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Craniomandibular Disorders; Mandibular Diseases; Jaw Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Joint Diseases; Muscular Diseases; Stomatognathic Diseases; Myofascial Pain Syndromes; Headache Disorders, Secondary; Headache Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases

Central Study Contacts

Demiana Hany Habib

CONTACT

+201229435551; demianahany7@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: January 19, 2026
• First Posted: January 27, 2026
• Study Start: February 1, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): September 1, 2026
• Last Updated: January 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-01

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

EG (1)