Efficacy of Scapulothoracic Exercises on Postural Stability, Proprioception, Muscular Features and Mandibular Functions

Efficacy of Scapulothoracic Exercises on Postural Stability, Proprioception, Muscular Features and Mandibular Functions

The Effects of Scapulothoracic Exercises on Postural Stability, Muscle Strength, Muscular Endurance and Proprioception in Sedentary Individuals With Cranio-Servico-Mandibular Malalignment

The goal of this Randomized, Double-Blind, Clinical Trial is to investigate the effects of scapulothoracic exercises on postural stability, muscle strength, muscular endurance, mandibular functions and proprioception in sedentary individuals aged 18-45 years with head forward posture and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (Cranio-Cervico-Mandibular Malalignment). The main questions it aims to answer are: • Do Scapulothoracic exercises given in addition to cervical posture exercises have an effect on postural stability, proprioception, muscle strength, muscular endurance and mandibular functions in individuals with Cranio-Cervico-Mandibular malalignment? Researchers will compare conventional neck exercises (control group) and scapulothoracic exercises applied in addition to conventional neck exercises (treatment group) to see the effects of scapulothoracic exercises on the neck and jaw area.

The investigators aimed to investigate the effects of scapulothoracic exercises on postural stability, muscle strength, muscular endurance, mandibular functions and proprioception in sedentary individuals aged 18-45 years with cranio-cervico-mandibular malalignment including head-first posture and temporomandibular joint dysfunction problems.

Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Temporomandibular Joint Treatment, Scapulothoracic Exercises, Cranio-Cervico-Mandibular Malalignment

Evaluations were done by a different physical therapist. The physiotherapist who administered the treatment was different. In addition, the participants did not know which group they were in.

In the treatment group, scapulothoracic exercises were applied in addition to conventional neck exercises.

For control group; Cervical conventional exercises. For treatment group; scapulothoracic exercises including strengthening, proprioceptive and stabilization exercises in addition to cervical conventional exercises

Five different data were obtained: the peripheral length value of the total sway degree (°) made on the device during balance, the percentile value of the area gap (%) showing the percentage of the area drawn according to the reference circle, the sway velocity value (°/sec), the average values (°) reached in the sway in the antero-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions.

Postural stability was measured at 3 different times (before treatment, 8 weeks after treatment, 12 weeks follow up). The average measurement time for each participant was 5 min.

Proprioception measurements were made at 3 different times (before treatment, 8 weeks after treatment, 12 weeks follow up). The mean measurement time for mandibular position sense for each participant was 8 min. Cervical joint position sense measure

Isometric muscle strength test will be performed on TMJ depressor muscles and cervical region muscles.

Muscle strength measurements were made at 3 different times (pre-treatment, 8th week post-treatment, 12th-week follow-up). The temporomandibular joint depressor muscle strength measurement time for each participant lasted 3 minutes. The st

The muscular endurance measurement of the deep neck flexors will be made using the "craniocervical flexion test" and a stabilizer device.

Muscular endurance of deep neck flexors was measured at 3 different times (pre-treatment, 8th week post-treatment, 12th week post-treatment follow-up). It took an average of 15 minutes for each participant.

Mandibular Function Disorder Questionnaire (MFBA) was measured at 3 different times (pre-treatment, 8th week post-treatment, 12th week post-treatment follow-up). It took an average of 2 minutes for each participant.

Inclusion Criteria: Male and female students and employees between the ages of 18-45, Individuals with a craniovertabral angle (CVA) <50° and a Fonseca questionnaire score between 20-100, Individuals with a Helkimo clinical dysfunction index score between 1-25, Individuals with a low level of physical activity according to the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Exclusion Criteria: Serious problems of the musculoskeletal system, including the cervical and thoracic spine, Presence of serious chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, Presence of neurological disease at a level that will affect balance and postural control, Being pregnant, Tooth and jaw problems in the last 6 months, Individuals with a total denture or prosthesis on the anterior teeth.

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