AbstractObjectives: To evaluate whether a specific muscle energy technique (MET) would have an effect on the vertical range of mouth opening compared to therapeutic jaw exercises and non interventional control group? Subjects: Twenty-one (N=21) subjects aged at least 20 years were recruited in the study. Design: An experimental design study. Pre-test and post-test match subject design. The participants were randomly divided into three groups (Group A, Group B and Group C). Group A received Therapeutic Jaw Exercises, Group B received specific MET and Group C was non-interventional control group. Instruments for jaw opening distance were obtained prior to the application of any therapy. All groups completed a Temporomandibular dysfunction checklist, to determine the symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction, before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, 5 minutes after the intervention, 10 minutes after the intervention, 20 minutes after the intervention, 30 minutes after the intervention and one week post intervention. A questionnaire to determine the patient’s own perception of pain was administered prior to the intervention, immediately after the intervention, 5 minutes after the intervention, 10 minutes after the intervention, 20 minutes after the intervention, 30 minutes after the intervention and one week post intervention. In this study only the outcome of range of jaw opening is discussed. Data analysis: The collected data was mean and standard deviation and has been analyze using STATA software. The t-test was used to analyze the difference in the vertical mouth opening improvements in Group A, Group B and Group C. Intra group analysis between pre-intervention, immediate after, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes and one week after the intervention scores was also done for all the groups. A significance level of Pd”0.05 was fixed. Results: The result of my study showed that there is a gradual significant improvement in Group A and immediate significant improvement in Group B while there in no significant improvement in control group i.e. Group C. So, MET and therapeutic jaw exercises are useful techniques in improving TMJ range of opening. Conclusion: The results of my study supports the hypothesis, within the limitation of this study, that, the application of MET and Therapeutic Jaw Exercises improves the range of opening of the TMJ. The result of this study provides a base for further research as they presents valuable outcomes for practitioners treating TMJ dysfunctions.
Keywords: Muscle Energy Technique, Therapeutic Jaw Exercises, Temporomandibular Dysfunction