Effect of Physical Therapy on Temporomandibular Disorders in Military Personnel
The Effect of Manual Physical Therapy and Exercise in Addition to Routine Dental Care in Individuals With Temporomandibular Disorders: a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if adding six weeks of personalized physical therapy to regular dental care can help active-duty military personnel with jaw pain from temporomandibular disorders feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Brooke Army Medical Center Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Fort Sam Houston, Texas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06602375 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of adding six weeks of individualized physical therapy to standard dental care for active-duty military personnel suffering from temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard care alone or standard care plus physical therapy, with outcomes measured at baseline, six weeks, and twelve weeks. The study will assess improvements in patient-reported outcomes and maximal mouth opening, as well as healthcare utilization over a twelve-month period. The trial will involve blinded assessors to ensure objective measurement of outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are active-duty service members experiencing symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who have undergone recent facial surgery or are currently involved in litigation related to TMD may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved management of TMD symptoms and enhanced quality of life for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for physical therapy interventions in managing TMD, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Active-Duty Service Members * Complaint of TMD symptoms * Must be able to be followed for twelve weeks after consent * TMD Screener score ≥ 3 45 Exclusion Criteria: * Actively in a Trainee status * Utilized oral device in past 6 months * Facial injection therapy in the prior 6 months * Facial surgery in the preceding 6 months * Serious spinal pathology (acute fracture, active cancer, instability) * Diagnosed neurological or rheumatological disease * Currently under litigation related to temporomandibular or cervical spine pain(s) * Currently undergoing Medical Evaluation Board (MEB) * Retiring or separating from the military within a year
Where this trial is running
Fort Sam Houston, Texas
- Brooke Army Medical Center — Fort Sam Houston, Texas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mason A Frank, DPT
- Email: mason.a.frank.mil@health.mil
- Phone: 301-606-8511
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.