NCT07273123 The Effect of Prolonged Sugar-Free Chewing Gum Mastication on Self-Reported Fatigue Levels and Changes of Static and Dynamic Surface Electromyography Parameters in Young Individuals With and Without Temporomandibular Joint Disorders.
| NCT ID | NCT07273123 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of Milan |
| Condition | Temporomandibular Joint Disorder |
| Study Type | OBSERVATIONAL |
| Enrollment | 30 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-10-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-07-30 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
This is an observational study. You will not receive an experimental treatment; researchers will collect data based on your existing condition or standard treatment.
This trial targets 30 participants in total. It began in 2025-10-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-07-30.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
This case-control study investigates fatigue induced by prolonged gum mastication in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The study addresses two primary questions: How does self-reported fatigue, measured with a visual analogue scale (VAS), change during sustained chewing? How do static and dynamic surface electromyographic (sEMG) parameters evolve over the same period? Participants with TMD will be compared with healthy controls to determine group differences in perceived fatigue and EMG responses. All participants will undergo baseline EMG assessment, then chew sugar-free gum continuously for 3 minutes, alternating sides without rest. After each 3-minute interval, static and dynamic EMG recordings will be obtained and participants will rate their fatigue on the VAS. This cycle may be repeated up to six times (maximum 18 minutes). Participants are free to stop chewing at any time if fatigue becomes intolerable.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion criteria (both groups): * Age 19-35 years * Chewing-gum users, even occasional * Good general health * Good oral health Inclusion criteria (Healthy controls): \- no diagnosed temporomandibular joint disorders Inclusion criteria (study group) \- diagnosed temporomandibular joint disorders Exclusion criteria (both groups): * Non chewing gum users * History of neurological disorders * History of musculoskeletal diseases * History of facial or cervical injuries * Presence of cervical pain * Two or more missing teeth * Current treatment with fixed or removable orthodontic appliances * Active periodontal disease * Presence of cavitated carious lesions
Contact & Investigator
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07273123 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 19 Years or older, up to 35 Years, studying Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07273123 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07273123 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at aesha.allam@unimi.it for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07273123 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Milan, Italy.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07273123 clinical trial?
NCT07273123 is sponsored by University of Milan. The trial plans to enroll 30 participants.