Age and Gender in TMJ Sounds

Age and Gender on TMJ Sound Frequencies and Mouth-Opening Distances

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a crucial role in masticatory function, and its proper lubrication is essential for smooth, frictionless movement. Disruptions to the lubricating system, often due to age-related changes or parafunctional activities such as teeth clenching or bruxism, can increase joint friction, leading to vibrations or intra-articular sounds. These sounds have become an essential diagnostic tool for assessing internal derangements of the TMJ. While magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is considered the gold standard for diagnosing TMJ disorders, its limitations in evaluating intra-articular structures have led to the development of alternative methods, such as Joint Vibration Analysis (JVA). This study explores the relationship between age, gender, and TMJ vibration frequencies using JVA in a cohort of 367 participants. We analyzed four key vibration parameters: Range of Motion (ROM), Total Integral Left (TIL), Total Integral Right (TIR), and frequency distributions in the <300 Hz and >300 Hz segments.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Actual): 300

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey
  • Anadolu
    • Istanbul, Anadolu, Turkey, 34403
      • Istanbul Atlas Univercity

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Child; Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

free of symptoms related to temporomandibular disorder

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participants capable of achieving an inter-incisal opening of 30 to 50 mm without restrictions.
• Free from symptoms indicative of temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
• Possessing fully and/or prosthetically restored dentition.
• Demonstrating adequate mouth opening to facilitate the rotation of the condylar process.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals using psychotropic or narcotic medications, regardless of medical oversight.
• Regular consumption of painkillers or anti-inflammatory agents.
• Long-term treatment with cortisone or its derivatives. Individuals who have sustained traumatic injuries to the maxillofacial region.
• Participants who have suffered the loss of organs and/or tissue in the maxillofacial area due to medical or traumatic causes.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Number of groups / cohorts

4

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Female ≤22 years; Participants who identify as female and are 22 years old or younger.
Female ≥23 years; Participants who identify as female and are 23 years old or older.
Male ≤22 years; Participants who identify as male and are 22 years old or younger.
Male ≥23 years; Participants who identify as male and are 23 years old or older.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
range of motion	ROM is measured as the maximum mouth opening (mouth opening distance), which is an indicator of joint mobility and dysfunction in TMD patients. Limited or abnormal ROM in the TMJ, reflected by restricted mouth opening, is often associated with pain, dysfunction, and impaired jaw movement, making it a crucial parameter for assessing the severity of TMD.	The outcome measure was assessed at baseline.
Total Integral	hese parameters assess the intensity and frequency of the joint's movement on each side (left and right). TIL and TIR represent the overall activity and functional performance of the TMJ during movement, with abnormal values potentially indicating dysfunction or asymmetry between the left and right sides. These parameters are critical for evaluating the joint's response to treatment and the presence of any abnormalities in movement or pressure distribution across the TMJ.	The outcome measure was assessed at baseline
Frequency Components	The frequency parameters assess the overall movement and condition of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by measuring pressure wave activity across different frequency ranges. Integral > 300 Hz (d1/d2) reflects higher frequency components primarily influenced by joint surface roughness and degenerative changes. Integral < 300 Hz (c1/c2) represents lower frequency components associated with disc movements, which can be affected by disc displacement, hypermobility, or joint laxity. The Ratio (e1/e2) indicates the ratio of high to low frequencies, providing insight into joint surface condition and overall TMJ health. These parameters are crucial for evaluating the function and possible degeneration of the TMJ.	The outcome measure was assessed at baseline

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Atlas University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): December 8, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): March 5, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): March 5, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: February 28, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 5, 2025
• First Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): March 25, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: March 5, 2025
• Last Verified: February 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: age; gender; temporomandibular disorders; vibration frequencies
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Musculoskeletal Diseases; Stomatognathic Diseases; Muscular Diseases; Joint Diseases; Jaw Diseases; Mandibular Diseases; Craniomandibular Disorders; Myofascial Pain Syndromes; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders; Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2024-ATLAS

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: YES
• IPD Sharing Supporting Information Type: STUDY_PROTOCOL

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No
• product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.: No