Pain, deep neck flexors performance, disability, and head posture in individuals with temporomandibular disorder with and without otological complaints
Affiliations: [a] Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brasil | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA | [c] Departmento de Cirurgia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brasil | [d] Departmento de Odontologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brasil
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Luiz Felipe Tavares, Av. Senador Salgado Filho 3000, Campus Universitário, Departamento de Fisioterapia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Lagoa Nova, 59078970, Natal, RN, Brazil. E-mail: felipeetavares@hotmail.com.br.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Otological complaints (OC) are highly prevalent in subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and so is the risk of neck dysfunctions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pain, deep neck flexor (DNF) performance, disability, and head and neck posture of individuals with TMD with and without OC. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 57 individuals were divided into a group with TMD and OC (n= 31) and a group with TMD without OC (n= 26). Self-reported pain intensity, masticatory and neck muscles pressure pain thresholds, DNF performance, neck disability, and head and neck posture were evaluated. Data were compared between groups using the independent t test and Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Effect sizes were evaluated using Cohen’s index. RESULTS: The TMD with OC group presented less muscle activation [26 (24–28) vs. 24 (24–26) mmHg; p< 0.05], less endurance [105 (46–140) vs. 44 (28–78) points; p< 0.05], and greater neck disability (8.15 ± 5.89 vs. 13.32 ± 6.36 points; p< 0.05). No significant difference was observed in self-reported pain, head and neck posture, or pressure pain thresholds. CONCLUSION: Individuals with TMD with OC presented decreased DNF performance and increased neck disability compared to individuals with TMD without OC.
