Exploring the Association Between Physical Fitness (High Intensity and Low Intensity) and the Incidence of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Comparative Study

Temporomandibular joint disorders affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and associated structures. Symptoms include TMJ pain, limited jaw movement, muscle tenderness, and referred pain. Physical activity can alleviate musculoskeletal pain. This study explored the link between physical fitness (high and low intensity) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) incidence. Sixty patients were divided into three groups in this comparative study. Group I underwent 30 minutes of high-intensity aerobic training. Group II had 30 minutes of low-intensity yoga sessions weekly. Group III received health education. TMD was diagnosed using the Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI). Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ). Of the participants, 38.1% were males and 61.9% were females. TMD severity was mild (25.0%), moderate (55.0%), and severe (20.0%). High-intensity training groups had higher TMD symptom severity than low-intensity groups (p = 0.001). VAS scores increased in group I and decreased in group II (significant). PSEQ scores decreased in group I and increased significantly in group II. Group III showed no significant differences in PSEQ scores. High-intensity training resulted in moderate TMD symptoms. Low-intensity training was beneficial for TMD pain. The study recommends combining low-intensity physical workouts with medications to alleviate TMD.