Efeitos adicionais do treinamento aeróbico aos exercícios cervicais nos sintomas otológicos de mulheres com disfunção temporomandibular

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are alterations in the masticatory and/or cervical structures that can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain and otological symptoms, primarily affecting adult women. Individuals with TMD associated with otological symptoms have reduced muscle control of the deep cervical flexors compared to individuals with TMD without otological complaints. Studies show that cervical muscle exercises help reduce TMD symptoms. However, studies demonstrating the effects of cervical exercises on TMD-related otological symptoms are needed. Furthermore, recent evidence highlights the potential of aerobic exercise for reducing TMD-related symptoms. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding the effects of cervical and aerobic exercises on the otological symptoms of individuals with TMD. Objective: To evaluate the additional effects of aerobic exercise in addition to cervical exercises on the otological symptoms of women with TMD. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with adult women (18 to 55 years old) diagnosed with TMD (DC/TMD) and complaining of otological symptoms. The women were randomly divided into two groups: cervical spine exercises group (CG) and cervical spine exercises combined with aerobic exercise group (CSA). The groups underwent treatment for eight weeks, twice a week. The intensity of otological symptoms (dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, otalgia, aural fullness, and hearing loss) were assessed using a numerical scale (0 to 10), the impact of tinnitus (Dizziness Handicap Inventory), and the impact of dizziness on quality of life (Tinnitus Handicap Inventory). The general linear model of repeated measures was used to compare the effects between groups and between pre- and post-treatment. A 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05 were adopted as a significant difference. Results: There was a significant reduction in the intensity of all otological symptoms in both groups after treatment (p < 0.001), with no difference between groups. For the THI, there was a significant difference between pre-treatment (CG 24.53  18.92; GCA 25.85  12.39) and post-treatment (CG 9.86  12.59; GCA 19.71  18.79) in both groups. However, there was no difference between the groups (p = 0.127). For the DHI, there was no significant difference between pre-treatment and post-treatment in either group or between the groups (p = 0.846). Conclusion: Cervical exercises alone or combined with moderate-intensity aerobic training are effective in reducing otological symptoms in women with TMD. Future research with larger sample sizes and more intense exercise protocols is needed to validate these findings and develop more effective treatments.