This study will be conducted to assess Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) function across different trimesters of pregnancy.
Pregnancy is a physiological state that can potentially influence the function and biomechanics of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) due to hormonal changes, weight gain, and other associated factors. TMJ disorders are a common problem affecting a significant proportion of the population, with potential impacts on chewing, speaking, and other daily functions, significantly affecting a pregnant woman's quality of life. Limited research has been conducted to comprehensively evaluate the changes in TMJ function and proprioception (repositioning accuracy) across different trimesters of pregnancy. By identifying and understanding the specific impacts of different trimesters of pregnancy on TMJ function, this study aims to provide insights that can help in the early detection and effective management of TMJ disorders. This, in turn, can improve the overall well-being and comfort of pregnant women, contributing to a more positive pregnancy experience. Moreover, physiotherapists currently have limited guidelines specifically tailored for managing TMJ dysfunction in pregnant patients. This study aims to fill this gap by providing evidence-based insights into the mechanisms and risk factors associated with TMJ dysfunction during pregnancy. The findings can inform the development of clinical guidelines and therapeutic protocols that address the unique needs of pregnant women, ensuring safer and more effective care.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
40
Maha Zaghloul mohammed
Cairo, Egypt
Mouth Opening (Eyes Open)
The woman opens her mouth maximally. The vertical distance between the upper and lower central incisors is measured using a caliper. One-third of the full temporomandibular joint range of motion (ROM) is used as functional ROM. The caliper is adjusted to this range. The woman practices the motion three times, then performs it actively three times with eyes open. Mean absolute joint position error (JPE) is recorded.
Time frame: 5 months
Mouth Opening (Eyes Closed)
The woman opens her mouth maximally. The vertical distance between the upper and lower central incisors is measured using a caliper. One-third of the full temporomandibular joint range of motion (ROM) is used as functional ROM. The caliper is adjusted to this range. The woman practices the motion three times, then performs it actively three times with eyes closed. Mean absolute joint position error (JPE) is recorded.
Time frame: 5 months
Right Lateral Movement (Eyes Open):
From rest, the woman moves her jaw to the right. The horizontal distance between upper and lower incisors is measured. Functional range of motion ROM is calculated (one-third of full ROM). She practices then actively performs the movement three times. Joint position error (JPE) is recorded.
Time frame: 5 months
Right Lateral Movement (Eyes Closed)
From rest, the woman moves her jaw to the right. The horizontal distance between upper and lower incisors is measured. Functional range of motion (ROM) is calculated (one-third of full ROM). She practices then actively performs the movement three times but with eyes closed. Joint position error (JPE) is recorded.
Time frame: 5 months
Left Lateral Movement (Eyes Open)
From rest, the woman moves her jaw to the left. The horizontal distance between upper and lower incisors is measured. Functional range of motion (ROM) is calculated (one-third of full ROM). She practices then actively performs the movement three times.Joint position error (JPE) is recorded.
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Time frame: 5 months
Left Lateral Movement (Eyes Closed)
rom rest, the woman moves her jaw to the left. The horizontal distance between upper and lower incisors is measured. Functional range of motion (ROM) is calculated (one-third of full ROM). She practices then actively performs the movement three times but with eye closed. Error of JPE is recorded.
Time frame: 5 months
Jaw protrusion (Eyes Open)
From rest, the woman moves her jaw forward. Distance between upper and lower incisors is measured. Functional range of motion (ROM) is calculated. Movement is practiced and repeated three times. Joint position error (JPE) is recorded.
Time frame: 5 months
Jaw protrusion (Eyes Closed)
From rest, the woman moves her jaw forward. Distance between upper and lower incisors is measured. Functional range of motion (ROM) is calculated. Movement is practiced and repeated three times but with closed eyes. Joint position error (JPE) is recorded.
Time frame: 5 months
Assessment of severity of temporomandibular joint dysfunction
The Fonseca's questionnaire follows the characteristics of a multidimensional evaluation. It is composed of 10 questions, which include checking for the presence of pain in the TMJ, head, back, and while chewing, parafunctional habits, movement limitations, joint clicking, perception of malocclusion, and sensation of emotional stress. The volunteers will be informed that the 10 questions should be answered with "yes," "no," and "sometimes," and that only one answer should be marked for each question. Each answer choice is assigned a score (typically 10 for "yes," 5 for "sometimes," and 0 for "no"). The total score is then calculated by summing the scores for all questions. Higher scores indicate a greater likelihood of TMJ dysfunction
Time frame: 5 months
Assessment of temporomandibular joint pain
The level of pain in the temporomandibular joint will be assessed through the visual analogue scale (VAS). The VAS is a pain rating scale, whose scores are based on self-reported measures of symptoms that are recorded with a single handwritten mark placed at one point along the length of a 10-cm line that represents a continuum between the two ends of the scale-"no pain" on the left end (0 cm) of the scale and "worst pain" on the right end of the scale (10 cm). Measurements from the starting point (left end) of the scale to the participants' marks will be recorded in centimeters and will be interpreted as their pain level.
Time frame: 5 months