Effect of stomatognathic alignment exercise on temporomandibular joint dysfunction associated with ankylosing spondylitis: A pilot study

Article type: Case Report

Authors: Oh, Duck-Won^a | Jeon, Hye-Seon^{b; *} | Kwon, Oh-Yun^b | You, Sung-Hyun^b | Park, Si-Bog^c | Hwang, Kyung-Gyun^d | Kim, Tae-Hwan^e

Affiliations: [a] Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health and Sports Science, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Korea | [b] Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Science, Yonsei University, Kangwon-do, Korea | [c] Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea | [d] Department of Dentistry, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea | [e] Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Hanyang University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence: [*] Address for correspondence: Hye-Seon Jeon, Department of Physiotherapy, College of Health Science, Yonsei University, 234, Maeji-ri, Heungup-myun, Wonju-si, Kangwon-do, Korea, 220-710. Tel.: +82 33 760 2724; Fax: +82 33 760 2496; E-mail: hyeseonj@yonsei.ac.kr

Abstract: Objective:This study was carried out to investigate the effect of stomatognathic alignment exercise (SAE) program on pain, mouth opening range, and perceived level of functional impairments from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Methods:A sample of 10 patients with TMD associated with AS was recruited in this study. A 60-minute SAE program focusing on postural alignment and mobility of the temporomandibular joint, head, neck, and trunk was provided 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Outcome measurements included pain, maximum range of active mouth opening (MRAMO), radiographic test for anterior translation distance (ATD) of a mandibular condyle, and the mandibular function impairment questionnaire (MFIQ) at pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-week follow-up after successful completion of treatment. Results:Statistically significant improvement was observed in pain, MRAMO, ATD, and MFIQ after the intervention (p < 0.05). The observed improvements in pain and MFIQ were well maintained throughout the follow-up period, whereas the improvement in ATD on the affected side was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). Conclusion:The SAE program seems to be beneficial for the management of pain, range of motion, and mandibular function in AS patients with TMD.

Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis, temporomandibular dysfunction, stomatognathic alignment exercise, physiotherapy

DOI: 10.3233/BMR-2008-21310

Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, vol. 21, no. 3, pp. 211-217, 2008