Temporomandibular Joint DysfunctionNCT07328269
Effects of Mulligan Mobilization in Comparison With Maitland Mobilization in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction.
A study testing Mulligan Mobilization and Maitland Mobilization in people with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
The temporomandibular joint dysfunction is the second most common musculoskeletal pain after back pain, causing jaw pain, restricted movement, and joint sounds. NPRS and millimeter ruler will be used for the assessment of patient. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 19 to 44 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
- What is being tested?
- Mulligan Mobilization and Maitland Mobilization
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 5 Sep 2025to 5 Jan 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 19 to 44 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 19-44 years.
- Both Genders (Male and Female).
- Patients diagnosed with TMJ hypomobility using the Manual Functional Analysis questionnaire based on DC/TMD criteria.
- Individuals with myofascial pain, scoring above 5 on the NRS and pain upon palpation of at least two of eight masticatory and neck muscles.
- Subjects with acute TMD and myofascial pain unrelated to active inflammation, infection, or recent trauma for at least six months.
Who cannot join
- Hypermobility of TMJs.
- Pregnancy.
- History of rheumatic and inflammatory diseases.
- A history of temporomandibular disorders treatment within last three months.
- Acute trauma or injuries of face, head or cervical spine, neurological disorders, taking medication that could affect the musculoskeletal system.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, Punjab Province
Mah Noor, DPT, +92310-5351360, mahnoorbasharat33@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Effects of Mulligan Mobilization in Comparison With Maitland Mobilization in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
The temporomandibular joint dysfunction is the second most common musculoskeletal pain after back pain, causing jaw pain, restricted movement, and joint sounds. NPRS and millimeter ruler will be used for the assessment of patient. This study will compare the effects of Mulligan and Maitland mobilization, commonly used treatment, on pain and Temporomandibular joint mobility through a randomized controlled trial, involving 30 participants divided into two groups for treatment.
Read the detailed description
The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible to the temporal bone near the ear's tragus and plays a key role in mastication. It involves joint or muscle pain, jaw movement limitation, and joint popping sound Risk factors include trauma, bruxism, arthritis, stress, and poor posture, while diagnosis is commonly made using the DC/TMD criteria, focusing on pain and intra-articular dysfunction. Manual therapy techniques widely used to restore joint function and reduce pain.
Among these, Mulligan's Mobilization combines therapist-applied glides with active patient movement, while Maitland mobilization uses graded oscillatory techniques to relieve pain and improve mobility.
This study aims to compare the effects of Mulligan and Maitland mobilization on pain reduction and TMJ hypomobility in adults with TMD.
A randomized controlled trial will be conducted over one year. 30 participants will be selected through purposive sampling and randomly divided into two groups.
The intervention will last two weeks, comprising 06 treatment sessions. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after the third session, and at the end of the second week.
Treatment will include lateral, anterior, medial, and distraction glides, combined with Rocabado's 6x6 exercises to improve functional movement. Myofascial release for the temporalis and masseter muscles will also be applied.
- Conditions
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
- Being tested
- Mulligan Mobilization, Maitland Mobilization
- Keywords
- Hypomobility, Mulligan Mobilization, Maitland Mobilization
- Medical subject headings
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Mulligan MobilizationProcedure or surgery
Both Mulligan and Maitland mobilization techniques with Myofascial release of temporalis and masseter and Rocabado 6*6 exercise program are applied over a two-week period with six sessions in total, focusing on improving TMJ mobility and reducing pain.
Group A Mulligan mobilization emphasizes active patient involvement combined with therapist-applied glides, including lateral, anterior, medial, and distraction glides performed for 5-10 seconds with 3-5 repetitions per session.
These techniques enhance mouth opening, lateral deviation, protrusion, and joint space while reducing stiffness and pain. And baseline treatment of myofascial release of temporalis and masseter muscle and Rocabado's 6*6 exercise program
Maitland MobilizationProcedure or surgery
Group B-Maitland mobilization relies on graded oscillatory movements (Grades I-III) for 5-10 seconds with 3-5 oscillations, targeting pain relief and mobility in the pain-free range. Lower grades (I-II) are used for acute pain with gentle oscillations, while higher grades (II-III) provide moderate mobilization to improve protrusion, lateral deviation, and joint capsule mobility.
And baseline treatment of myofascial release of temporalis and masseter muscle and Rocabado's 6*6 exercise program.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Mulligan Mobilization | Active comparator | Experimental Group A-Mulligan Mobilization. Myofascial release of temporalis and masseter muscle, Rocabado 6*6 exercise program. Receives: Procedure: Mulligan Mobilization |
| Maitland Mobilization | Experimental | Experimental Group B-Maitland Mobilization. Myofascial release of temporalis and masseter muscle. Rocabado 6*6 exercise program. Receives: Procedure: Maitland Mobilization |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Pain intensity
Pain will be measured through Numeric Pain Rating Scale. The scoring for NPRS involves a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain. The interpretation of scores is as follows: 0 to 3 for mild pain, 4 to 6 for moderate pain, and 7 to 10 for severe pain.
Measured: 2 weeks
Temporomandibular joint Hypomobility
Mandibular movements were assessed using a millimeter ruler to measure depression (50-60 mm), protrusion (5 mm), and lateral deviation (12-15 mm). Any "click" sounds or deviations during movement were recorded. Jaw movements maintained upper and lower teeth contact.
Measured: 2 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted9 Jan 2026
- Study start5 Sep 2025
- Primary completion30 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion5 Jan 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Temporomandibular Joint DysfunctionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Foundation University IslamabadThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participant divided into Two groups Group A recieves Mulligan Mobilization and Group B receives Maitland Mobilization with baseline treatment of myofascial release of temporalis and masseter muscle and Rocabado's 6\*6 exercise program.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Participant
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University Islamabad
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07328269
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/20
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 26 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 9 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 9 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Mulligan Mobilization in Comparison With Maitland Mobilization in Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07328269
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- FUI/CTR/2025/20
- Conditions
- Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction
- Keywords
- Hypomobility, Mulligan Mobilization, Maitland Mobilization
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Foundation University IslamabadUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 5 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 30 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 5 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 9 Jan 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The temporomandibular joint dysfunction is the second most common musculoskeletal pain after back pain, causing jaw pain, restricted movement, and joint sounds. NPRS and millimeter ruler will be used for the assessment of patient. This study will compare the effects of Mulligan and Maitland mobilization, commonly used treatment, on pain and Temporomandibular joint mobility through a randomized controlled trial, involving 30 participants divided into two groups for treatment.
Detailed description
The temporomandibular joint connects the mandible to the temporal bone near the ear's tragus and plays a key role in mastication. It involves joint or muscle pain, jaw movement limitation, and joint popping sound Risk factors include trauma, bruxism, arthritis, stress, and poor posture, while diagnosis is commonly made using the DC/TMD criteria, focusing on pain and intra-articular dysfunction. Manual therapy techniques widely used to restore joint function and reduce pain.
Among these, Mulligan's Mobilization combines therapist-applied glides with active patient movement, while Maitland mobilization uses graded oscillatory techniques to relieve pain and improve mobility.
This study aims to compare the effects of Mulligan and Maitland mobilization on pain reduction and TMJ hypomobility in adults with TMD.
A randomized controlled trial will be conducted over one year. 30 participants will be selected through purposive sampling and randomly divided into two groups.
The intervention will last two weeks, comprising 06 treatment sessions. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, after the third session, and at the end of the second week.
Treatment will include lateral, anterior, medial, and distraction glides, combined with Rocabado's 6x6 exercises to improve functional movement. Myofascial release for the temporalis and masseter muscles will also be applied.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (participant)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participant divided into Two groups Group A recieves Mulligan Mobilization and Group B receives Maitland Mobilization with baseline treatment of myofascial release of temporalis and masseter muscle and Rocabado's 6*6 exercise program.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Mulligan Mobilization | Active comparator | Procedure: Mulligan MobilizationExperimental Group A-Mulligan Mobilization. Myofascial release of temporalis and masseter muscle, Rocabado 6*6 exercise program. |
| Maitland Mobilization | Experimental | Procedure: Maitland MobilizationExperimental Group B-Maitland Mobilization. Myofascial release of temporalis and masseter muscle. Rocabado 6*6 exercise program. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 19 to 44 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Age 19-44 years.
- Both Genders (Male and Female).
- Patients diagnosed with TMJ hypomobility using the Manual Functional Analysis questionnaire based on DC/TMD criteria.
- Individuals with myofascial pain, scoring above 5 on the NRS and pain upon palpation of at least two of eight masticatory and neck muscles.
- Subjects with acute TMD and myofascial pain unrelated to active inflammation, infection, or recent trauma for at least six months.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Hypermobility of TMJs.
- Pregnancy.
- History of rheumatic and inflammatory diseases.
- A history of temporomandibular disorders treatment within last three months.
- Acute trauma or injuries of face, head or cervical spine, neurological disorders, taking medication that could affect the musculoskeletal system.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Mulligan MobilizationBoth Mulligan and Maitland mobilization techniques with Myofascial release of temporalis and masseter and Rocabado 6*6 exercise program are applied over a two-week period with six sessions in total, focusing on improving TMJ mobility and reducing pain. Group A Mulligan mobilization emphasizes active patient involvement combined with therapist-applied glides, including lateral, anterior, medial, and distraction glides performed for 5-10 seconds with 3-5 repetitions per session. These techniques enhance mouth opening, lateral deviation, protrusion, and joint space while reducing stiffness and pain. And baseline treatment of myofascial release of temporalis and masseter muscle and Rocabado's 6*6 exercise program | Procedure or surgery | Mulligan Mobilization |
| Maitland MobilizationGroup B-Maitland mobilization relies on graded oscillatory movements (Grades I-III) for 5-10 seconds with 3-5 oscillations, targeting pain relief and mobility in the pain-free range. Lower grades (I-II) are used for acute pain with gentle oscillations, while higher grades (II-III) provide moderate mobilization to improve protrusion, lateral deviation, and joint capsule mobility. And baseline treatment of myofascial release of temporalis and masseter muscle and Rocabado's 6*6 exercise program. | Procedure or surgery | Maitland Mobilization |
Primary outcome
Pain intensity
Time frame: 2 weeks
Pain will be measured through Numeric Pain Rating Scale. The scoring for NPRS involves a scale from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain. The interpretation of scores is as follows: 0 to 3 for mild pain, 4 to 6 for moderate pain, and 7 to 10 for severe pain.
Temporomandibular joint Hypomobility
Time frame: 2 weeks
Mandibular movements were assessed using a millimeter ruler to measure depression (50-60 mm), protrusion (5 mm), and lateral deviation (12-15 mm). Any "click" sounds or deviations during movement were recorded. Jaw movements maintained upper and lower teeth contact.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 9 Jan 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Mulligan Mobilization and Maitland Mobilization in people with Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, run by Foundation University Islamabad at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 9 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Mah Noor (+92310-5351360, mahnoorbasharat33@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Pain intensity (time frame: 2 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 9 Jan 2026.