This randomized controlled trial will be conducted among 18-25-year-old participants who present with temporomandibular joint dysfunction symptoms, including pain, limited range of motion, and joint crepitation. Participants will be randomly allocated into control and intervention groups using block randomization. The control group will receive a standard physiotherapy program, while the intervention group will additionally perform telerehabilitation-based dual-task exercises. The intervention will last for six weeks, with progressive increases in exercise and cognitive task difficulty. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at the end of the 6th week. Primary and secondary outcome measures include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), jaw functional limitation (Jaw Functional Limitation Scale-20), oral habits, static balance (Tetrax system), and dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go Test). Within-group and between-group comparisons will be performed. The sample size was calculated using power analysis, resulting in 30 participants in total (15 per group), accounting for potential dropouts.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
30
Cervical range of motion exercises, cervical lateral flexion stretching, upper trapezius stretching, pectoral stretching, breathing exercises, seated cervical postural correction exercises, supine and prone cervical postural exercises, postural training exercises, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) rotation control exercises, TMJ opening, closing, protrusion, and retrusion exercises, tongue resting position training, isometric TMJ elevation, depression, and lateral deviation exercises in sitting position, post-isometric relaxation techniques, abdominal strengthening exercises, and back extensor strengthening exercises.
Backward counting from 200 by threes during cervical range of motion exercises and pectoral stretching, naming cities starting with the letter "A" during supine cervical postural exercises, naming animals starting with the letter "A" during TMJ rotation control exercises, simple arithmetic tasks (addition and subtraction) during isometric TMJ elevation and depression exercises, and more complex arithmetic tasks during lateral deviation exercises in sitting position. Cognitive task difficulty will be progressively increased over time.
Pain Intensity
Pain intensity will be assessed using a 10-cm Visual Analog Scale. Participants will rate their pain at rest, during chewing, and at night. Scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
Time frame: Measurements will be recorded at baseline and at week 6. Change in pain intensity will be analyzed.
Jaw Functional Limitation
(Jaw Functional Limitation Scale - JFLS-20): Jaw function will be evaluated using the JFLS-20, a 20-item self-report scale assessing functional limitations in mastication, speech, and jaw movement. Each item is scored from 0 (no limitation) to 10 (severe limitation). Higher scores indicate greater functional impairment.
Time frame: Assessments will be performed at baseline and week 6.
Temporomandibular Disorder Classification
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction diagnosis and classification will be determined using the Temporomandibular Disorders Research Diagnostic Criteria and Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders questionnaire, which provides a standardized multidimensional assessment of temporomandibular disorders. This assessment includes evaluation of muscle-related disorders, disc displacement conditions, and degenerative joint diseases, and enables a comprehensive clinical and psychosocial classification of temporomandibular dysfunction.
Time frame: Assessment will be performed at baseline.
Oral Habits
Oral Habits Questionnaire: Oral parafunctional habits will be assessed using a 21-item questionnaire evaluating behaviors such as bruxism, nail biting, and gum chewing. Each item is rated on a 0-4 Likert scale, with total scores ranging from 0 to 84. Higher scores indicate more frequent parafunctional habits.
Time frame: Assessments will be performed at baseline and week 6.
Dynamic Balance
Functional mobility and dynamic balance will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test. The time (in seconds) required to stand up from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit down will be recorded. Shorter times indicate better mobility and balance.
Time frame: Assessments will be performed at baseline and week 6.
Stability Index (SI)
Static balance will be assessed using the Tetrax system (Sunlight Medical Ltd., Israel). The Stability Index reflects overall postural sway and stability performance. Higher scores indicate poorer stability. Unit of measure: index score.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Weight Distribution Index (WDI)
Measured using the Tetrax system, the WDI evaluates the distribution of body weight across four force plates. Higher values indicate asymmetry in weight distribution. Unit of measure: index score.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Fourier Harmonic Index (FHI)
The FHI is derived from frequency analysis of postural sway signals obtained via the Tetrax system. It provides information about postural control mechanisms. Unit of measure: index score.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
Fall Index
The Fall Index estimates the risk of falling based on postural stability parameters measured by the Tetrax system. Higher scores indicate greater fall risk. Unit of measure: index score.
Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks
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