Upper Cross Syndrome and Temporomandibular Dysfunction in University Students

NCT07456748 | Completed

• 2 other identifiers: 2025-06046418926
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 27
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This cross-sectional observational study aims to investigate the relationship between Upper Cross Syndrome (UCS), a postural imbalance characterized by forward head posture and rounded shoulders, and Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) in university students aged 18-35 years. TMD is a musculoskeletal condition affecting the jaw joint and masticatory muscles, commonly associated with pain, limited mandibular movement, and joint sounds. Since cervical posture and jaw function are anatomically and biomechanically interconnected, postural alterations seen in UCS may be associated with temporomandibular dysfunction. In this study, participants will undergo a single-session assessment including postural angle measurements (craniovertebral angle, head-shoulder angle, thoracic kyphosis angle), temporomandibular joint clinical examination, mandibular range of motion measurements, and completion of the OHIP-14 questionnaire. No intervention will be applied.The findings are expected to contribute to understanding the association between upper body posture and jaw dysfunction in young adults and may provide guidance for interdisciplinary assessment and preventive strategies.

Conditions

Upper Cross Syndrome; Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

Keywords

Upper Cross Syndrome; Temporomandibular Disorder; Forward Head Posture; Craniovertebral Angle; University Students

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (5)

• Correlation Between Craniovertebral Angle and Mandibular Range of Motion

  The correlation between craniovertebral angle and mandibular range of motion will be assessed. Craniovertebral angle will be measured in degrees using standardized lateral-view digital photogrammetry with the PhysioMaster® application. Mandibular range of motion will include maximum mouth opening, right lateral deviation, left lateral deviation, and protrusion. Each mandibular movement will be measured separately in millimeters using a ruler and correlated with the craniovertebral angle measured in degrees using PhysioMaster® digital photogrammetry.

  At single assessment, Day 1

• Correlation Between Head-Shoulder Angle and Mandibular Range of Motion

  The correlation between head-shoulder angle and mandibular range of motion will be assessed. Head-shoulder angle will be measured in degrees using standardized lateral-view digital photogrammetry with the PhysioMaster® application. Mandibular range of motion will include maximum mouth opening, right lateral deviation, left lateral deviation, and protrusion. Each mandibular movement will be measured separately in millimeters using a ruler and correlated with the head- shoulder angle measured in degrees using PhysioMaster® digital photogrammetry.

  At single assessment, Day 1

• Correlation Between Thoracic Kyphosis Angle and Mandibular Range of Motion

  The correlation between thoracic kyphosis angle and mandibular range of motion will be assessed. Thoracic kyphosis angle will be measured in degrees using the inclinometer feature of the PhysioMaster® application. Mandibular range of motion will include maximum mouth opening, right lateral deviation, left lateral deviation, and protrusion. Each mandibular movement will be measured separately in millimeters using a ruler and correlated with the kyphosis angle measured in degrees using PhysioMaster® digital photogrammetry..

  At single assessment, Day 1

• Correlation Between Postural Angle Measurements and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 Score

  The correlation between each postural angle measurement and oral health-related quality of life will be assessed. Postural angle measurements will include thoracic kyphosis angle, head-shoulder angle, and craniovertebral angle, each measured separately using PhysioMaster®. Oral health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire. The total OHIP-14 score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating a worse outcome.

  At single assessment, Day 1

• Correlation Between Mandibular Range of Motion and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 Score

  The correlation between each mandibular range of motion measurement and oral health-related quality of life will be assessed. Mandibular range of motion will include maximum mouth opening, right lateral deviation, left lateral deviation, and protrusion, each measured separately in millimeters using a ruler. Oral health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire. The total score ranges from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating a worse outcome.

  At single assessment, Day 1

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Mandibular Range of Motion

  At single assessment, Day 1

• Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) Score

  At single assessment, Day 1

• Craniovertebral Angle

  At single assessment, Day 1

• Head-Shoulder Angle

  At single assesment, Day 1

• Thoracic Kyphosis Angle

  At single assessment, Day 1

Study Arms (1)

University Students Cohort

Single cohort of university students (18-35 years) assessed in one visit for Upper Cross Syndrome-related postural angles and temporomandibular dysfunction outcomes

Other: No Intervention: Observational Cohort

Interventions

No Intervention: Observational Cohort OTHER

No intervention is administered. Participants undergo clinical TMJ assessment, mandibular range of motion measurements, and postural photography-based angle measurements.

University Students Cohort

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

The study population consists of university students aged 18-35 years enrolled at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Gülhane. Participants are recruited voluntarily and represent a young adult population with similar academic workload and daily postural habits. The study includes students regardless of the presence or absence of temporomandibular dysfunction symptoms.

You may qualify if:

• University students aged between 18 and 35 years
• Voluntary participation
• Signed informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• History of jaw surgery
• Presence of scoliosis or spinal disorders
• History of shoulder or spinal surgery
• Botulinum toxin injection in the facial or jaw region within the past year
• Diagnosis of rheumatologic disease
• Neurological, autoimmune, or significant psychological disorders
• Known cervical pathology within the past year

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Healt Sciences, Gülhane Faculty ofHealth Sciences

Ankara, Ankara, 06018, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Related Publications (1)

• 1.Monalisa Pattnaik, M. P. T., & Mohanty, P. "Relationship between Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, Forward Head Posture and Severity of Neck Pain in Subjects with Neck Pain and Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. 2. Keskin Tunç, S., Ünalan Değirmenci, B., Alpaslan Yaylı, N., Aslan, Ş., & Akdeniz, M. Ş. (2020). Evaluation the effects of low-level laser therapy on disc displacement with reduction. Turkish journal of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 66(1), 24-30. 3. P. V., C., & Vishwanath, S. (2022). Prevalence of upper-cross syndrome in college going students-a cross sectional study. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 11(1), 284-288. 4. Silveira, A., Gadotti, I. C., Armijo-Olivo, S., Biasotto-Gonzalez, D. A., & Magee, D. (2015). Jaw dysfunction is associated with neck disability and muscle tenderness in subjects with and without chronic temporomandibular disorders. BioMed research international, 2015, 512792. 5. Xiao, C. Q., Wan, Y. D., Li, Y. Q., Yan, Z. B., Cheng, Q. Y., Fan, P. D., Huang, Y., Wang, X. Y., & Xiong, X. (2023). Do Temporomandibular Disorder Patients with Joint Pain Exhibit Forward Head Posture? A Cephalometric Study. Pain research & management, 2023, 7363412. 6. Ghaffar, E., Sadia, U., Riaz, R., Mazhar, F., Tariq, R., Amjad, L., ... & Irshad, U. (2024).THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN UPPER CROSS SYNDROME AND TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DYSFUNCTION. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research, 4(3), 1-5.

  BACKGROUND

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Oculocerebral hypopigmentation syndrome type Preus; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Target Duration: 1 Day
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 2, 2026
• First Posted: March 6, 2026
• Study Start: February 4, 2026
• Primary Completion: February 27, 2026
• Study Completion: February 27, 2026
• Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)