Evaluating the efficacy of cranio-mandibular stabilization exercises on pain, jaw mobility, mouth function, and oral health-related quality of life in patients with temporomandibular disorder management: A randomized controlled trial

Aim The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of a manual therapy program and cranio-mandibular stabilization exercises on orofacial pain levels, jaw mobility, functional performance, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) in comparison to manual therapy and placebo interventions. Materials and Methods In this randomized controlled study, 87 participant (63.5% women and 36.5% men) aged 18 to 50 years with myofascial or mixed TMD were randomly assigned into three groups: Manual Therapy Group (MT), Cranio-Mandibular Stabilization Exercises (CMSE), or Control Group (CG). Pre-Intervention assessment was done at baseline, following post- treatment (after 8 weeks), three months, and twelve months. The outcome evaluation were done by the Visual Analog Scale, Mandibular Function Impairment Questionnaire, Oral Health Impact Profile-14, and jaw range of motion (ROM). Results Bonferroni post hoc tests and mixed-model ANOVA with repeated measures were used to analyze all results. At baseline, 8 weeks, 3 month, and 12 months, the CMSE group's improvements in jaw function and discomfort were noticeably larger than those of the Control Group (ES > 0.7). At the conclusion of therapy and three months later, CMSE performed better for OHRQoL than both the Manual Therapy and Control groups (ES > 0.7). Conclusion The results indicate that a structured manual therapy plan combined with cranio-mandibular stabilization exercises provides significant therapeutic advantages in lowering pain and disability in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD).