This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Effectiveness of Jaw Exercises Combined with Cervical Strengthening Exercises Versus Ultrasound Therapy in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Comparative Study
Corresponding Author(s) : P. Bright Alwin Victor
International Journal of Allied Medical Sciences and Clinical Research,
Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026): 2026 Volume 14-Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Temporomandibular joint disorders are a group of musculoskeletal conditions involving the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, and associated craniofacial and cervical structures. Patients commonly present with jaw pain, restricted mandibular movement, joint sounds, and functional limitations during activities such as chewing, speaking, and yawning. Cervical dysfunction and altered head posture may also contribute to the persistence of temporomandibular joint symptoms.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of jaw exercises combined with cervical strengthening exercises versus ultrasound therapy in improving functional limitation and neck-related disability among patients with temporomandibular joint disorders.
Methods: A comparative study was conducted on 20 individuals with temporomandibular joint disorders. Participants who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were divided into two groups of 10 participants each. Group A received jaw exercises combined with cervical strengthening exercises, while Group B received ultrasound therapy. Both interventions were administered five sessions per week for four weeks. The Jaw Functional Limitation Scale and Neck Disability Index were assessed before and after completion of the intervention. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Paired t-test was used for within-group comparison, and independent t-test was used for between-group comparison.
Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvement between pre-test and post-test values. In the Jaw Functional Limitation Scale, Group A improved from 122.50 ± 4.11 to 25.10 ± 3.60, whereas Group B improved from 122.80 ± 5.39 to 26.30 ± 3.88. In the Neck Disability Index, Group A improved from 77.70 ± 7.00 to 12.00 ± 2.58, whereas Group B improved from 75.90 ± 8.25 to 10.50 ± 3.02.
Conclusion: Both jaw exercises combined with cervical strengthening and ultrasound therapy were associated with significant improvement in functional outcomes among patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. The present study concluded that jaw exercises combined with cervical strengthening demonstrated beneficial effects in the management of temporomandibular joint disorders.