The term "temporomandibular joint dysfunction" (TMJ dysfunction) refers to a range of anatomical and functional problems, with or without clinical signs and symptoms, that affect the TMJ and/or the chewing muscles. It is more frequent in women and young people ages between 20 and 40. Its frequency ranges from 28% to 88%. The term "temporomandibular joint dysfunction" (TMJ dysfunction) refers to a range of anatomical and functional problems, with or without clinical signs and symptoms, that affect the TMJ and/or the chewing muscles. It is more frequent in women and young people ages between 20 and 40. Its frequency ranges from 28% to 88%. This condition is frequently disregarded because of inadequate diagnosis . Additionally, TMJ dysfunction can particularly emerge in the early stages without the presence of pain. Due to the insidious onset of the disease, especially in the early stages, other TMJ-related factors, in addition to pain-related parameters, need to be considered.Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate the effect of TME disorder on proprioception, body awareness, and pain-related parameters including pain threshold, pain tolerance, and temporal summation in young adults.
"In the study, young adults aged 18-25 will be included, with TMJ dysfunction being measured using the Fonseca Amnestic Index. Based on Fonseca scores, two groups will be formed: those scoring over 20 will be labeled 'with TMJ dysfunction,' while the others will be classified as 'without TMJ dysfunction.' Proprioception will be assessed both through self-reports using the Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire and via joint position sense measured by a CROM device. Body awareness will also be evaluated using the Body Awareness Questionnaire. Pain assessment, including pain threshold, tolerance, and temporal summation, will be conducted using a pressure algometer. The 'pain threshold' will refer to the point at which a person first feels pain, 'pain tolerance' will be the last point that a person can tolerate, and 'temporal summation' will be the pain sensation evaluated after 10 repetitions of the pain threshold.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
60
TMJ dysfunction will be measured using the Fonseca Amnestic Index. The Fonseca Amnestic Index is used to assess the severity of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The index consists of 10 questions, with each question scored as 0, 5, or 10 points, depending on the severity of symptoms. The maximum total score is 100, where a higher score indicates a more severe level of TMJ dysfunction. Therefore, patients with higher scores on the Fonseca Amnestic Index are considered to have more significant TMJ issues. Based on Fonseca scores, two groups will be formed: those with scores over 20 will be labeled 'with TMJ dysfunction,' and the others 'without TMJ dysfunction.
Atılım University
Ankara, Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Proprioception Assessment-1 (self-reported)
Evaluation of proprioception using the Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire:Self-reported proprioception will be assessed using the Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire. The Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire (FreNAQ) typically consists of 9 items, each rated on a Likert scale from 0 to 4. The scale ranges from 0 to 36 points. Higher scores on this scale indicate impaired neck awareness.
Time frame: Single assessment at baseline
Proprioception assessment-2
Evaluation of proprioception with joint position sense measurement via a CROM device: Proprioception will also be assessed with joint position sense via a CROM device. After finding the target angle in right and left rotation directions, the patient is asked to repeat the target angle with their eyes closed. The difference is recorded. Three measurements are taken, and the average is calculated.
Time frame: Single assessment at baseline.
Pain-related parameters
Pain assessment, including pain threshold, tolerance, and temporal summation, will be conducted using a pressure algometer. The 'pain threshold' will be the point at which a person first feels pain, the 'pain tolerance' will be the last point that a person can tolerate, and the 'temporal summation' will be the pain sensation evaluated after 10 repetitions of the pain threshold.
Time frame: Single assessment at baseline.
Assessment of body awareness
Body awareness will be evaluated using the Body Awareness Questionnaire.The Body Awareness Questionnaire (BAQ) consists of 18 items scored on a 1-7 scale. The total score is the sum of all items, with a minimum score of 18 and a maximum score of 126. Higher scores indicate better body awareness.
Time frame: Single assessment at baseline.
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