Cervical Muscle Endurance and Pressure Pain Threshold in University Students With TMD: A Case-Control Study

NCT07407127 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: IGDU-EC-27-03-2024
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 60
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Aim: This study aims to compare the static endurance of cervical region muscles, pressure pain thresholds of selected muscles of the stomatognathic system, and postural characteristics in young adults with and without temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Method: A total of 60 university students aged between 18 and 25 years will be included in the study. Participants will be divided into two groups: individuals with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD group, n=30) and healthy controls (control group, n=30). The static endurance of cervical flexor and extensor muscles will be assessed using standardized endurance tests. Pressure pain thresholds of the temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid, and upper trapezius muscles will be measured using a pressure algometer. Postural characteristics will be evaluated using the New York Posture Analysis (NYPA).

Conditions

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD); Pain Threshold

Keywords

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction; cervical muscle endurance; pain threshold; posture

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Cervical Muscle Endurance Assessment

  Static endurance of cervical flexor and extensor muscles was measured in seconds. Extensors: participants lay prone, lifted the head slightly, and held a 2-kg weight as long as possible. Flexors: participants lay supine, performed slight craniocervical flexion, and maintained the position. Test ended with pain, loss of position, or sufficient endurance. Intra-observer reliability: flexors 0.71-0.93, extensors 0.73-0.85.

  2 week

• Pressure Pain Threshold Assesment

  Pressure pain threshold (PPT) was measured using a Baseline Push-Pull Force Gauge® algometer with a 1 cm rubber tip. After familiarization, pressure was applied perpendicularly to the most sensitive points of the upper trapezius, masseter, temporalis, and SCM muscles until participants reported pain. Each site was tested three times with ≥20 s intervals, and the average value was recorded as the PPT.

  2 week

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Posture Assessment

  2 week

Study Arms (2)

TMD Group

TMD group was defined as scoring 15 points or more on the Fonseca Anamnesis Index (FAI).

Control Group

Control group was an FAI score below 15.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consisted of university students aged 18-25 studying at Igdir University Karaagac Campus.

You may qualify if:

• Currently enrolled as a student at Igdır University.

You may not qualify if:

• Underwent surgery in the neck or mandibular regions
• Had a history of intervertebral disk problems, regardless of clinical symptoms
• Experienced mechanical neck pain for ≥3 months
• Had scoliosis
• Had reducible or irreducible displacement of the temporomandibular joint disk
• Had a history of trigeminal neuralgia
• Were undergoing orthodontic dental treatment

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kırıkkale University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Igdir University

Iğdır, 76000, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Craniomandibular Disorders; Mandibular Diseases; Jaw Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Joint Diseases; Muscular Diseases; Stomatognathic Diseases

Study Officials

• Aydan AYTAR, Prof. Dr.

  University of Health Sciences, Gülhane Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

  STUDY DIRECTOR

• Binnaz Bozkurt Akpulat, MSc.

  Igdir University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: CASE CONTROL
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 1, 2026
• First Posted: February 12, 2026
• Study Start: April 10, 2024
• Primary Completion: June 15, 2024
• Study Completion: June 15, 2024
• Last Updated: February 12, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)