Comparison of muscle activation level, pain, posture, disability, and balance in individuals with and without temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Abstract

Objective: Temporomandibular dysfunction is a common condition seen in 60-70 % of the population and can affect all age groups. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to compare muscle activation level, pain, posture, disability, and balance between individuals with temporomandibular dysfunction and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: Total 44 participants, 21 with temporomandibular joint dysfunction and 23 healthy individuals, were included in the study. Demographic data of the two groups were obtained. Superficial electromyography was applied to Masseter Muscle to evaluate muscle activation level. Pain was evaluated with an algometer. New York Posture Analysis, Neck Pain and Disability Index and Biodex Balance System were used to compare overall body health between the two groups. Results: No significant differences found for demographic data between groups (p≥0.05). Right-left masseter muscle activation level was found higher in the healthy group compared to the Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction group (p≤0.05). According to the algometer results, pain level both sides masseter muscle; both sides temporalis muscle was higher in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction group (p≤0.05). Posture of healthy individuals was better than Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction group (p≤0.05). Most of the static and dynamic balance measurements performed on single and double legs were found significantly better (p≤0.05) in the healthy group except static double legs (p=0.12) and dynamic left legs (p=0.08). No significant difference was found between groups in Neck Pain and Disability Index (p≥0.05). Conclusion: Pain and muscle activation level were found higher in individuals with temporomandibular joint dysfunction compared to healthy individuals. Balance parameters were found better in healthy individuals than temporomandibular joint dysfunction group. Posture score was decreased in temporomandibular joint dysfunction group compared to healthy individuals and there was no significant difference in the level of disability between two groups.