A home-based multidisciplinary programme for Down syndrome adults with muscular temporomandibular disorder

Background: Patients with Down syndrome (DS) present functional and anatomical alterations that may negatively impact their health and quality of life. Down syndrome patients have been shown to have a high prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD), but little is known about the diagnosis, treatment and prevention in these individuals.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of a home-based multidisciplinary programme on muscular TMD in DS adults.

Methods: After being diagnosed with TMD-related masticatory muscle disorder, 20 adult men and 20 adult women with DS received an educational material with instructions on how to perform daily home facial self-massage and exercises for orofacial and masticatory muscles. Participants were also provided with educational information on TMD. Those who failed to perform at least 50% of the programme (23 days) were considered non-adherent. Oral parafunctional behaviours, facial pressure-pain threshold and maximum mouth opening were assessed at baseline and after the intervention.

Results: Twenty-five patients adhered to the programme as opposed to 15 non-adherent patients. Statistically significant improvements in all parameters were observed among adherent patients, except for the number of parafunctions.

Conclusion: The proposed home-based multidisciplinary programme seemed to be effective in improving some aspects related to muscular TMD in DS adults.