OMT vs Exercise in TMD

NCT07534540 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 10.04.2026
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 50
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether different rehabilitation approaches can improve pain, function, and postural control in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study focuses on adults diagnosed with myogenic TMD. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) reduce pain and improve functional outcomes in individuals with TMD? Does a structured home-based exercise program improve postural control and sensorimotor function in individuals with TMD? Researchers will compare osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and a home-based exercise program to determine their relative effects on pain, function, and postural stability. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to either the OMT group or the exercise group Receive the assigned intervention over the study period Undergo assessments before and after treatment, including pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, mandibular movements, cervical range of motion, postural stability, and quality of life

Conditions

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD); Osteoapthic Manipulation Treatment

Keywords

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Manipulation; Osteopathic; Exercise Therapy; Pain Measurement; Postural Balance

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS)

  Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where participants rate their pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain imaginable).

  Before intervention and immediately after the intervention period

Secondary Outcomes (5)

• Pressure Pain Threshold

  Before intervention and immediately after the intervention period

• Mandibular Range of Motion

  Before intervention and immediately after the intervention period

• Cervical Range of Motion

  Before intervention and immediately after the intervention period

• Postural Stability

  Before intervention and immediately after the intervention period

• Quality of Life (Short Form-12, SF-12)

  Before intervention and immediately after the intervention period

Study Arms (2)

OMT Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants receive osteopathic manipulative treatment targeting the temporomandibular joint and related structures.

Behavioral: Home-based Exercise Program; Procedure: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

Home-Based Exercise Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants perform a structured home-based exercise program targeting jaw and cervical function.

Behavioral: Home-based Exercise Program; Procedure: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

Interventions

Home-based Exercise Program BEHAVIORAL

A structured home-based exercise program designed to improve mandibular mobility, cervical function, and sensorimotor control.

Home-Based Exercise Group; OMT Group

Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) PROCEDURE

A manual therapy intervention consisting of osteopathic manipulative techniques applied to the temporomandibular joint and related musculoskeletal structures. The treatment aims to reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and enhance functional outcomes.

Home-Based Exercise Group; OMT Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 50 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• TMD Group:
• Diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) confirmed by a dentist
• Pain intensity ≥ 3.5 cm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
• Presence of TMD-related pain for at least 3 months
• Aged between 18 and 50 years
• Willingness to participate in the study
• Control Group:
• No history or clinical signs of temporomandibular disorder (TMD)
• Aged between 18 and 50 years
• Willingness to participate in the study

You may not qualify if:

• TMD Group:
• Presence of any condition other than TMD that may affect the assessment outcomes
• Presence of musculoskeletal pain in any other body region
• Any orthopedic or neurological condition that may interfere with assessments
• Diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Conditions impairing communication or ability to complete assessments
• Illiteracy
• History of orthopedic surgery in any body region
• Presence of systemic pathological conditions such as fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, or suspected malingering
• Receipt of physiotherapy or other treatment targeting the temporomandibular joint or spinal region within the last 6 months
• Control Group:
• History of chronic musculoskeletal disorders within the past year
• Any orthopedic or neurological condition that may interfere with assessments
• Diagnosed psychiatric disorder
• Conditions impairing communication or ability to complete assessments

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University

Antalya, Alanya, 07400, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Interventions

Manipulation, Osteopathic

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

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

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Proffesor

Model Details: This study is designed as a randomized, parallel-group controlled trial comparing two intervention arms: osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and a structured home-based exercise program. Participants are randomly allocated to one of the two groups using a concealed randomization method. Outcome assessments are conducted by a blinded assessor before and after the intervention period.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 10, 2026
• First Posted: April 16, 2026
• Study Start: April 1, 2024
• Primary Completion: May 15, 2024
• Study Completion: December 26, 2025
• Last Updated: April 16, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)