Evaluation of Postural Exercises in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders

Determination of the Effectiveness of Postural Exercises Combined With Occlusal Splint Therapy in Internal Temporomandibular Derangements

Fifty-seven patients diagnosed with internal temporomandibular derangement will be included in the study and divided into three groups. All patients will be treated with a proven-effective occlusal splint. The first group will receive only occlusal splint therapy and will serve as the control group. The second group will receive occlusal splint therapy combined with Rocabado exercises, while the third group will receive occlusal splint therapy combined with postural exercises.

Before the treatment process, all patients will complete the Temporomandibular Disorders Diagnostic Criteria (TMD-DC) form. Pain intensity will be measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pain thresholds will be assessed using an algometer, and the following evaluations will be performed: Cervical Posture Assessment (Craniovertebral Angle with Goniometer)-Cervical Range of Motion Assessment (C-ROM)-Cervical Deep Flexor Muscle Endurance Test-Neck Disability Assessment (NDI - Neck Disability Index)-Psychiatric Assessment (HADS - Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale).

After two months, patients will be recalled, and all tests will be repeated. The effectiveness of the three treatment protocols will then be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being diagnosed with internal temporomandibular disarrangement
• aged 18 years or older
• Willingness to participate in the study
• Ability to speak and understand Turkish, with no communication difficulties severe enough to impede understanding of the exercises

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of acute trauma in the TMJ or surrounding area
• TMJ dysfunction caused by a neurological condition
• History of surgical/invasive procedures or treatments on the TMJ
• Presence of infection or tumoral structures within intraoral structures
• History of tooth loss or use of dental prostheses
• History of surgical procedures in the cervical region