Abstract
BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a musculoskeletal problem that affects the masticatory muscles, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and other related structures and has many different subtypes. Different types of TMDs are known to cause different symptoms. This study will examine the effect of progressive neck motor control exercises on different types of TMD. METHODS: This randomised controlled study will investigate the effects of progressive neck motor control exercises on craniocervical pain, posture, function and kinesiophobia in individuals with myofascial TMD, TMJ disc displacement with reduction and TMJ disc displacement without reduction. Participants will be divided into groups using a block randomization method. A total of six groups will be included in the study, comprising participants who consented to participate and met the inclusion criteria. The groups will include participants with one of the three distinct types of TMD, as well as a control group for each group. The same treatment will be administered to the study groups for a period of six weeks, while the control groups will receive only patient education. All assessments will be conducted prior to the treatment, within a maximum of one week following the end of the treatment, and 1 month after the treatment. DISCUSSION: Despite the utilisation of craniocervical exercise approaches in individuals diagnosed with TMD, existing evidence has yet to ascertain the most efficacious intervention. This will be an inaugural study to assess the efficacy of a progressive exercise program in individuals with varying TMD types and the associated differential outcomes. The findings of this study will provide valuable information on the relationship between the jaw joint and the cervical region as well as the effect of exercise on various types of TMD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov National Library of Medicine at 11. November 2023 under ID NCT06148818 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06148818?term=NCT06148818&rank=1). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12903-026-07775-z.