Effectiveness of Brief Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Painful Temporomandibular Disorders Among University Students

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MALAYA · Aug 29, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a brief mindfulness-based intervention (BMBI) on university students who suffer from painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD), a condition that can cause discomfort in the jaw and face. The goal is to find out if practicing mindfulness can help reduce pain, improve jaw function, and enhance overall quality of life for those dealing with chronic pain. Participants will listen to audio recordings designed to promote mindfulness three times a week for three months and will visit the clinic four times to track their progress.

To join the study, participants must be students at Universiti Malaya who can read and understand English and have been experiencing TMD symptoms for at least three months. However, those who have certain medical conditions, are currently taking specific medications, or have previous experience with mindfulness practices may not be eligible. Throughout the trial, participants can expect to learn more about mindfulness while receiving support from the research team to help manage their pain and improve their well-being.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Students attending Universiti Malaya
• • Able to read and understand English.
• • Willing and able to give informed consent.
• • Score 3 and above on the TMD-PS, for at least 3 months.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Hearing impairment.
• • Currently on psychiatric follow up and/or taking psychotropic prescriptions (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers).
• • Experience with activities similar to the intervention such as meditation, yoga or tai chi.
• • Currently practicing some form of mindfulness meditation.
• • History of orofacial trauma, craniofacial pathology, and previous orofacial surgeries (including orthognathic and TMJ)
• • Systemic rheumatic, neurologic/neuropathic, endocrine (e.g., diabetes mellitus) or immune / autoimmune diseases or widespread pain or being treated with immunosuppressant drugs
• • Non-TMD orofacial pain disorders
• • Radiation treatment to head and neck.
• • Use of narcotic pain medication, muscle relaxants or steroid therapy unless discontinued 1 week before enrolment to study
• • Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications unless the medication(s) were discontinued for 3 days prior to enrolment (use of acetaminophen is allowed as a rescue drug)
• • Currently on antibiotics or taken antibiotics within the last 2 weeks prior to start of study
• • Currently pregnant or lactating women