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Open Access 01-12-2024 | Fibromyalgia | Research

Effects of physical activity levels on characteristic pain in temporomandibular dysfunctions: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Youngwoo Chun, Jung Hwan Jo, Ji Woon Park

Published in: Head & Face Medicine | Issue 1/2024

Abstract

Background

Physical activity is known to influence the symptoms of a variety of pain disorders including fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis although the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. In spite of the high prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), no previous study has objectively evaluated the relationship between TMD and general physical activity. This study aims to investigate the influence of physical activity on pain and disability from TMD, considering various confounders including sleep, systemic inflammation, psychosocial disturbances, and widespread pain.

Methods

This observational cross-sectional study is based on consecutive samples of 100 TMD patients (22 with high pain disability and 78 with low pain disability level). Physical activity levels were assessed with actigraph. Level of pain and disability were evaluated using the Graded Chronic Pain Scale. Hematologic examinations including inflammatory biomarkers were assessed and comorbidities were investigated with validated questionnaires. Differences were analyzed according to disability level.

Results

Patients with high disability level spent significantly more time doing both moderate (p = 0.033) and vigorous (p = 0.039) level physical activity. Light physical activity, on the other hand, was associated with low disability but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Time spent in light physical activity was significantly associated with high levels of pain and disability (p = 0.026, β = −0.001) and time spent in vigorous physical activity had significant predictive power (cutoff value 2.5 min per week, AUC 0.643, p = 0.041). Scores of the Jaw Function Limitation Score-20 (p = 0.001), present McGill Pain Score (p = 0.010), and number of people potentially diagnosed with fibromyalgia (p = 0.033) were significantly higher in the high disability group.

Conclusions

Moderate or vigorous physical activity is associated with worse TMD symptoms while light physical activity may be beneficial. Further research related to the amount and frequency of physical activity is necessary to establish clinical guidelines for TMD.

Trial registration

clinical trial registration of the Clinical Research Information Service of Republic of Korea (number KCT0007107).

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Title: Effects of physical activity levels on characteristic pain in temporomandibular dysfunctions: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Youngwoo Chun
Jung Hwan Jo
Ji Woon Park
Publication date: 01-12-2024
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia
Published in: Head & Face Medicine / Issue 1/2024
Electronic ISSN: 1746-160X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13005-024-00407-3

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Effects of physical activity levels on characteristic pain in temporomandibular dysfunctions: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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