SynthesisFrontiers in rehabilitation sciences2026
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for temporomandibular disorders: efficacy on pain, maximal mouth opening, and dysfunction-a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Synthesis in Frontiers in rehabilitation sciences, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
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Abstract
Objective: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are common heterogeneous conditions characterized by chronic orofacial pain, limited maximal mouth opening, and impaired masticatory function. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is a well-established non-invasive rehabilitation intervention, but its efficacy in improving pain, maximal mouth opening (MMO), and dysfunction index (DI) remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of ESWT in patients with TMD through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: We conducted a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Database, and VIP Database, with the search period ending in December 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ESWT with rehabilitation interventions, sham therapy, medication, or no treatment were included. The main outcome measures were pain intensity (VAS), maximal mouth opening (MMO), and dysfunction index (DI). Results: A total of 18 studies involving 1,150 participants were included. ESWT showed a significant therapeutic effect on pain reduction (MD = -1.28; 95% CI: [-1.96, -0.61], Conclusion: The results of this meta-analysis indicate that ESWT has a significant positive effect in alleviating pain and improving maximal mouth opening in patients with TMD. However, because of the existence of heterogeneity and potential risk factors, the therapeutic effect of ESWT needs to be interpreted with caution.
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