To Investigate the Effect of Condylar Remodeling Exercises on Proprioception of Neck and Temporomandibular Joint in Cranio-cervico-mandibular Malalignment.

Effect of Condylar Remodeling Exercises on Proprioception of Neck and Temporomandibular Joint in Cranio-cervico-mandibular Malalignment: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Trial

Cranio-cervico-mandibular (CCM) malalignment is associated with forward head posture (FHP) and tempromandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and affects masticatory muscles. Patients who present with dysfunctions of CCM malalignment can be treated effectively by a physical therapist who has specialized skills and experiences. A temporomandibular joint exercise developed by Rocabado called "Condylar remodeling exercises" considered as a new method for treatment of such cases. Those exercises stimulate mechanoreceptors that converts mechanical energy of physical deformation into action nerve potential yielding proprioceptive information, detecting change and rate of change, as opposed to steady state conditions. This input was analyzed in the central nervous system for joint position and movement influences muscle tone, motor execution programes and kinesthetic awareness around temporomandibular joint protecting joint from damage and helps to restore appropriate balance of synergistic and antagonistic forces. Although condylar remodeling exercises has been used in clinical practice, limited evidence exists to support such a treatment approach. So, the current study will conduct to investigate the effect of Condylar Remodeling Exercises on proprioception of neck and TMJ in CCM malalignment

To determine if there is an effect for the effect of Condylar Remodeling Exercises on proprioception of neck and TMJ in CCM malalignment. 40 of both sexes will participate in this study. Assessment of all participants will be carried out before and after the treatment program. Outcome measures will include assessment of neck proprioception, Temporomandibular joint position sense, cranio-vertebral angle, active pain-free mouth opening, pain assessment.A total of 40 subjects of both sexes having CCM malalignment will be recruited in this study. They will be randomly assigned to one of the following groups: Study group include 20 subjects will receive Condylar remodeling exercises in addition to postural correction Exercise, Control group: include 20 subjects will receive postural correction Exercise only. All subjects in both groups will receive the exercise program 3 days a week for four weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The participants will be excluded if they:

  1. The patient's ages from 18 to 40 years
  2. having TMD symptoms sustained for at least twelve weeks duration established by expert physician or orthopaedician.
  3. having forward head posture with CVA < 53o.
  4. mouth opening < 25mm.
  5. Pain level greater than 20 mm and less than 80 mm on Numeric Rating Scale (NRS).

Exclusion Criteria:

• (1) TMJ fracture undergone any surgical procedure for TMJ; (2) Fracture surrounding TMJ; (3) Dislocation or subluxation of TMJ; (4) Systemic joint diseases including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, congenital conditions orofacial paralysis; (5) recent dental work or TMJ surgery; (6) Hematological cervical disorders which may affect the jaw; (7) Neurological deficits e.g. Bells palsy, Trigeminal neuralgia;(8) Recent infections affecting head and neck (within the last six months) e.g. bone infections, meningitis, encephalitis, malaria, ear infection; (9) Participants who were using any functional appliances e.g.dentures, braces, bite appliances altered or fitted within the previous 12 weeks prior to the commencement of this study; (10) Patients who underwent any physical therapy treatment within the last 2 weeks before the trial; (11) Internal derangement, including disc displacement with or without reduction