Two physiotherapy programs in headache attributed to temporomandibular disorder

Abstract text (incl. figure legends and references)

Objective: Assess the effects of two 8-week physiotherapy programs on frequency, intensity, and impact of headaches attributed to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Methods: Twenty-four patients diagnosed with headache attributed to TMD were divided into two groups of 12 participants: a therapeutic exercise program (G1, mean age: 26.3±5.6years) and an aerobic and therapeutic exercise program (G2, mean age:26.0±4.6years). Headache frequency and intensity were evaluated using a headache diary, intensity was reported using a numerical pain rating scale (NRS), and headache impact was evaluated using a Headache Impact Test (HIT-6). These parameters were evaluated twice at baseline (A01/A02), at the end of the 8-week intervention period (A1), and 8–12 weeks after the end of the intervention (A2). The study protocol was approved by the ethical committee of the Egas Moniz University Institute on February 13, 2019 (reference number: 675). All individuals provided informed consent in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration and understood that they were free to withdraw from the study at any time. Results: None of G2 participants reported having headaches, and in G1, only two participants reported headache, at A1. Scores for headache intensity (0.3 [95%CI: -0,401, 1.068]), (0.0 [95%CI: -0.734,0.734]), significantly decreased in G1/G2 at A1. Score of HIT-6 (50.7 [95%CI:38.008,63.459]), (49.5 [95%CI:36.808,62.259]), significantly decreased in G1 and G2 at A1. Effects obtained immediately after programs completion were maintained until the final follow-up in both groups. Conclusion: The programs conducted by G1 (therapeutic exercises) and G2 (therapeutic and aerobic exercise) had significant results at A1 and A2. The physiotherapy programs are important to reduce headache attributed to TMD.