Telerreabilitação em pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular: estudo de protocolo, randomizado, controlado e cego

Abstract

Introduction: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is characterized by a set of symptoms, such as: pain, restrict motion range and joint noise. Its origin is multifactorial, which may be related to biological, environmental, and psychosocial aspects. A multimodal approach has been widely used in physiotherapy for TMDs treatment. Physiotherapy associated to the new technologies make possible to deliver the telerehabilitation to patients, contributing to provide quality treatment in the absence of face-to-face appointments. Objectives: This study aims to verify the effect of a multimodal telerehabilitation treatment on pain reduction, range of motion improvement, functionality, and biopsychosocial aspects in individuals with temporomandibular disorders. Materials and methods: A protocol for a randomized, controlled, blind clinical trial will be conducted, divided into two moments, evaluation and intervention. The evaluation will be presented using the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders: Clinical Protocol and Assessment Instruments (DC/TMD), the Fonseca Anamnesis Index (IAF), the Numerical Pain Scale (END) and the Mandibular Functional Limitation Questionnaire (MFIQ). Individuals will be randomized into 2 groups: Group A (face-to-face sessions) and Group B (telerehabilitation). Both groups will receive physiotherapy for 12 weeks. The results will be collected, and this data will be analyzed with a level of significance set to 5%. Discussion: This study will contribute to the evidence-based practice of the multimodal clinical treatment by telerehabilitation in individuals with TMD. The objective is to optimize treatment strategies to reduce or eliminate pain and other related symptoms. The full results will be published after the study is completed.