Exercises to improve eye and jaw function in patients with jaw disorders

Effect of Exercises on Convergence Insufficiency in Individuals With Temporomandibular Disorders: Clinical, Randomized, Blinded Trial

This study is testing if special eye exercises can help people with jaw pain and eye problems feel better and improve their daily life.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 24 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 60 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Nove de Julho (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Mogi das Cruzes, SP)
• Trial ID: NCT05761106 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of oculomotor therapy in alleviating symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD) in individuals who also suffer from convergence insufficiency. Participants aged 18 to 60 with specific pain criteria related to TMD will be randomly assigned to receive either the therapy or standard care. Evaluations will be conducted using established diagnostic criteria to assess the impact of the intervention on both jaw function and eye coordination. The study aims to determine if targeted exercises can improve the quality of life for patients experiencing these interconnected conditions.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 60 with diagnosed myogenic Temporomandibular Disorder and convergence insufficiency.

Not a fit: Patients with permanent strabismus, neurological disorders, or those who have undergone recent treatments for TMD or convergence insufficiency may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive treatment option that alleviates pain and improves function for patients with TMD and convergence insufficiency.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between TMD and convergence insufficiency is recognized, this specific approach using oculomotor therapy is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 18 and 60 years;
* Presence of pain in the facial region in the last 6 months;
* Presence of pain, at least 3 on the numeric pain scale (END), in the Temporomandibular Joint and/or masticatory muscles and in the last 6 months;
* Diagnosis of myogenic Temporomandibular Disorder, by DC/TMD;
* Moderate and Severe Temporomandibular Disorder carrier, according to Fonseca's Anamnestic Index;
* Presence of Insufficiency of Convergence according to Convergence Test (TC) and by Convergence insufficiency symptom Survey (CISS).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Permanent strabismus;
* History of strabismus surgery;
* History of cervical and/or craniofacial trauma/surgical procedure;
* History of ocular nerve injury;
* Neurological disorders;
* disc disease ;
* Systemic diseases;
* Fibromyalgia diagnosis;
* Previous treatments for TMD carried out in the last 3 months;
* Previous treatments of Convergence Insufficiency with oculomotor therapy (no more than 2 months of treatment in the last year);
* Occlusal treatment in progress;
* Any ocular or systemic medication known to affect accommodation or vergence ;
* Systemic diseases that affect ocular accommodation, vergence , and motility, such as multiple sclerosis, Graves' thyroid disease, myasthenia gravis, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease;
* In continuous use of analgesics, anti-inflammatories, anxiolytics and/or antidepressants;
* Pregnant women.

Where this trial is running

Mogi das Cruzes, SP

• Daniela Aparecida Biasotto Gonzalez — Mogi das Cruzes, Sp, Brazil (Recruiting)

Conditions Temporomandibular Disorder; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome; Convergence Insufficiency; Clinical trials; oculomotor therapy; Physiotherapy