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Effects of Core Strengthening Exercises for Treating TMD

NCT07226505 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 50

Last updated 2025-11-10

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are commonly managed with non-invasive interventions such as manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, relaxation techniques, and patient education. Core strengthening (also known as abdominal strengthening) is a fundamental element of physical therapy that engages deep and superficial trunk musculature to enhance postural control and functional performance. Protocols such as the Shirley Sahrmann progression have demonstrated increased activation of key core stabilizing muscles. Emerging evidence suggests a potential relationship between core stability training and reductions in TMD-related pain, though improvements in functional outcomes remain inconclusive. Biomechanical links between the pelvic floor, spine, and temporomandibular joint further support the rationale for core-focused interventions. Nevertheless, few studies have isolated the effects of core strengthening on TMD symptomatology. This study seeks to determine whether the integration of core stability exercises into TMD management can reduce pain, improve function, and enhance quality of life.

Conditions

  • Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
  • TMD
  • TMJ Internal Derangement
  • Myofascial Pain

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Experimental: Group 1: Core Strengthening

Participants perform Shirley Sahrmann core exercises (5 progressive levels maintaining neutral spine and deep core activation), possibly adding upper extremity movements. Standard TMD PT includes jaw exercises, manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, neuromuscular re-education, and patient education. A home exercise program (\~20 min/day) is provided with printed and video instructions.

BEHAVIORAL

Group 2: Standard TMD PT

Participants receive standard TMD PT including jaw exercises (Rocabado 6x6), manual therapy for TMJ and cervical spine, soft tissue mobilization, neuromuscular re-education to improve jaw mechanics, and education on jaw positioning, diet/chewing modifications, and parafunctional habits. A home exercise program is provided as part of treatment.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Loyola University Chicago

    collaborator OTHER

  • Loyola University

    lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
80 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-11-01
Primary Completion
2026-12-01
Completion
2027-01-31

Countries

  • United States

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07226505 on ClinicalTrials.gov