Investigation of stability and endurance of trunk muscles in individuals with temporomandibular dysfunction

The aim of this study was to examine the endurance and functional strength of trunk muscles in individuals with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and compare them with healthy individuals. There were two groups in the study: the study group (n=60) consisting of individuals with TMJ dysfunction and the control group (n=60) consisting of healthy individuals. In the study, the TMJ assessment form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Visual Analog Scale were applied to individuals in both groups. The Graded Chronic Pain Scale, Fonseca Anamnestic Questionnaire, Tampa Kinesiophobia in Temporomandibular Disorders Scale, and Oral Health Impact Scale were administered only to the individuals in the study group. The endurance and functional strength of the trunk muscles of the individuals in both groups were measured with clinical tests and a pressure biofeedback device. Head and shoulder posture is adversely affected in individuals with TMJ dysfunction; activity and night pain were found to be higher (p<0.05). Pain-related disability, fear of movement, and quality of life of the individuals in the study group were moderately affected. The trunk endurance and functional strength of individuals with TMJ dysfunction were found to be lower than those of healthy individuals (p<0.05). Cervical muscle endurance was similar in both groups (p>0.05). In conclusion, the endurance and functional muscle strength of trunk muscles were found to be lower in individuals with TMJ than in healthy individuals, by bio-tensegrity. TMJ dysfunction should be handled with a holistic approach both when evaluating and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation program planning. Keywords: Pain, Muscle Strength, Core Stability, Temporomandibular Joint. Approved by Baskent University Institutional Review Board and Ethics Committee (Project number: KA22/41).