The efficacy of adding proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation to conventional treatments for myogenous temporomandibular disorders: a randomized controlled trial.
Gizem Ergezen Sahin, Erkin Ergezen, Sukru Can Akmansoy et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial compared conventional exercise therapy alone with conventional exercise plus proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) in 66 adults aged 18–65 years with myogenous temporomandibular disorders. Both groups completed a 4-week intervention. Pain intensity and patient-reported mandibular function improved in both groups; the reduction in pain was greater with added PNF (ηp² = 0.110, p = .043). The PNF group also had greater gains in maximum mouth opening and maximum unassisted opening, although these effects were small. Outcomes were assessed immediately after treatment.
Key findings
- Pain intensity decreased in both groups (p < .001), with a greater reduction in the PNF group (ηp² = 0.110, p = .043).
- Patient-reported mandibular function improved in both groups over 4 weeks (p < .001).
- The PNF group had greater gains in maximum mouth opening and maximum unassisted opening, with small effects (ηp² = 0.021 and ηp² = 0.002).
Why it matters
The trial suggests that adding PNF to conventional exercises may provide additional short-term pain relief and modest improvements in jaw mobility for people with myogenous TMD. The findings help clarify the potential contribution of PNF within exercise-based rehabilitation, while the immediate post-treatment assessment leaves the durability of these benefits uncertain.
What to keep in mind
Outcomes were assessed only immediately after the 4-week intervention; the abstract notes that longer-term effects require further study.