Autonomic dysfunction and multisystem TMD in adults
Official title: Autonomic Dysfunction and the Trajectory of TMD with Multisystem Manifestations
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11374506 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, friendly study will look at how autonomic nervous system problems relate to multisystem temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in adults and aims to create a quick chairside screening tool to identify those at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $315,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03DE035161-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374506 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with or at risk for multisystem TMD and related autonomic symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without TMD or autonomic symptoms may not benefit from the screening tool.
What this research studies
This project focuses on adults with TMD and related symptoms to understand how heart rate and blood pressure control (the autonomic nervous system) relate to multisystem pain, anxiety, and sleep issues. Using data from the large OPPERA study, researchers will map patterns of autonomic dysfunction at rest and when standing and link them to how multisystem symptoms evolve. They will then create and validate a simple, bedside questionnaire to flag high-risk individuals for early intervention. The goal is to enable earlier, targeted care to reduce burden and improve outcomes for people with multisystem TMD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could be identified earlier as high-risk for developing more widespread TMD symptoms and receive timely, tailored interventions.
How similar studies have gone: Prior analyses from the OPPERA study suggest autonomic dysfunction helps predict TMD onset, supporting potential benefit of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Hong — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Hong
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.