Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
Conditions
Brief summary
This case-control study investigates fatigue induced by prolonged gum mastication in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study addresses two primary questions: How does self-reported fatigue, measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS), change during sustained chewing? How do static and dynamic surface electromyographic (sEMG) parameters evolve over the same period? Participants with TMD will be compared with healthy controls to determine group differences in perceived fatigue and EMG responses. All participants will undergo baseline EMG assessment, then chew sugar-free gum continuously for 3 minutes, alternating sides without rest. After each 3-minute interval, static and dynamic EMG recordings will be obtained and participants will rate their fatigue on the VAS. This cycle may be repeated up to six times (maximum 18 minutes). Participants are free to stop chewing at any time if fatigue becomes intolerable.
Interventions
OTHERMastication of sugar-free chewing gum
The chewing task will last for a maximum of 18 minutes.
Sponsors
University of Milan
Study design
Observational model
CASE_CONTROL
Time perspective
CROSS_SECTIONAL
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
19 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
(both groups): * Age 19-35 years * Chewing-gum users, even occasional * Good general health * Good oral health Inclusion criteria (Healthy controls): \- no diagnosed temporomandibular joint disorders Inclusion criteria (study group) \- diagnosed temporomandibular joint disorders
Exclusion criteria
(both groups): * Non chewing gum users * History of neurological disorders * History of musculoskeletal diseases * History of facial or cervical injuries * Presence of cervical pain * Two or more missing teeth * Current treatment with fixed or removable orthodontic appliances * Active periodontal disease * Presence of cavitated carious lesions
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Self-reported (subjective) fatigue after prolonged sugar-free chewing gum mastication | The whole session has a maximum duration of 18 minutes, assessments are done every 3 minutes |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Changes of static and dynamic surface electromyography (sEMG) parameters after prolonged mastication of sugar-free chewing gum | The whole session has a maximum duration of 18 minutes, assessments are done every 3 minutes |
Countries
Italy
Contacts
CONTACTAesha Allam, DDS
Outcome results
None listed