title: Treatment of myogenic temporomandibular disorder: a prospective randomized clinical trial, comparing a mechanical stretching device (TheraBite®) with standard physical therapy exercise.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare in a randomized controlled clinical trial (RCT) the application of the TheraBite® (TB) Jaw Motion Rehabilitation System with a standard physical therapy (PT) exercise regimen for the treatment of myogenic temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
  
  
  METHODS
  Myogenic TMD patients were randomized for the use of the TB device or for standard PT. Mandibular function was assessed with the mandibular function impairment questionnaire (MFIQ). Pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale, and maximum inter-incisor (mouth) opening (MIO) was measured using the disposable TB range of motion scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 96 patients randomized (46 TB, 50 standard PT exercises), 38 actually started with the TB device and 41 with the standard PT exercises. After six-week follow-up, patients using the TB device reported a significantly greater functional improvement (MFIQ score) than the patients receiving regular PT exercises (P = 0.0050). At 6 weeks, no significant differences in pain, and active or passive MIO were found between the two groups. At 3 months, patients in both treatment groups did equally well, and showed a significant improvement in all parameters assessed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This RCT on myogenic TMD treatment, comparing standard PT with passive jaw mobilization using the TheraBite Jaw Motion Rehabilitation System®, shows that both treatment modalities are equally effective in relieving myogenic TMD symptoms, but that the use of the TB device has the benefit of achieving a significantly greater functional improvement within the first week of treatment.
authors.forename: Sophie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kraaijenga
authors.forename: Lisette
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: van der Molen
authors.forename: Harm
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: van Tinteren
authors.forename: Frans
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hilgers
authors.forename: Ludi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Smeele
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000503:physiopathology; D008410:Masticatory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D013706:Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Jaw exercises,; Limited mouth opening,; Myogenic cranio mandibular dysfunction,; Myogenic temporomandibular disorder,; Physical therapy exercises; TheraBite passive jaw motion device,