Investigation of Cervical Muscle Endurance and Pressure Pain Threshold in University Students With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction: A Case-Control Study
Investigation of Cervical Muscle Endurance and Pressure Pain Threshold in University Students With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction: A Case-Control Study
Aim: This study aims to compare the static endurance of cervical region muscles, pressure pain thresholds of selected muscles of the stomatognathic system, and postural characteristics in young adults with and without temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).
Method: A total of 60 university students aged between 18 and 25 years will be included in the study. Participants will be divided into two groups: individuals with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD group, n=30) and healthy controls (control group, n=30). The static endurance of cervical flexor and extensor muscles will be assessed using standardized endurance tests. Pressure pain thresholds of the temporalis, masseter, sternocleidomastoid, and upper trapezius muscles will be measured using a pressure algometer. Postural characteristics will be evaluated using the New York Posture Analysis (NYPA).
The socio-demographic data of the individuals, including age, height, weight, etc., were recorded. The Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) was used to identify the presence of TMD, and individuals with a score above 15 (FAI≥15) were determined to have TMD. Additionally, individuals' muscular endurance was assessed using a standard endurance test, pressure pain thresholds were measured with an algometer, and posture was evaluated using the New York Posture Analysis.
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