Original Research

Year : 2026 | Volume : 17 | Issue : 3 | Page : 95-106

Functional Impact of PEMF Therapy in Symptomatic Temporomandibular Disorders

Ashish Kallur-1, Nagachandran K S-2, Remmiya Mary Varghese-3

1-Postgraduate Resident, 2-Professor, 3-Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, TamilNadu.

Address for Correspondence:

Dr Remmiya Mary Varghese,

Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics,

Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals,

Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University

Chennai, TamilNadu.

Email ID: remmiyav.sdc@saveetha.com

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorders represent prevalent musculoskeletal disorders causing pain, restricted mandibular movements and impaired quality of life (QoL). Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy has emerged as a non-invasive adjunct with proposed analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, a robust trial on its functional and psychosocial impact is lacking. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the psychological and functional effects of PEMF therapy in symptomatic TMDs.

METHODS: This trial was conducted at a private dental teaching hospital in Chennai, India. 38 participants aged 18–50 years with myogenous or disc-related TMDs (DC/TMD Axis I) were randomly allocated to PEMF or placebo groups using an odd–even method. The intervention group used a closed-loop PEMF device (27.12 MHz, ~1000 pulses/second) via an over-the-ear assembly for a minimum of 12 hours daily over 6 weeks. Maximum mouth opening (MMO) and QoL (ACPA-QoL scale) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test (MMO) and unpaired-samples t-test (QoL).

RESULTS: MMO improved marginally in the intervention group (35.17±5.08 mm to 35.61±5.06 mm) and control group (34.56±6.44 mm to 35.16±5.71 mm), with no statistically significant difference (p=0.704). QoL scores showed variable change in both groups (intervention: 5.72±0.96 to 5.48±1.34; control: 5.28±1.60 to 5.39±1.54) and failed to show statistically significant differences (p=0.804).

CONCLUSION: PEMF therapy did not produce statistically significant improvements in mandibular mobility and QoL after a 6 week period compared to placebo. The null hypothesis was accepted. The findings of this study may suggest that functional and psychosocial recovery in TMDs follow a slower, multifactorial trajectory, warranting larger, multi-center trials with extended follow-up.

KEYWORDS: Temporomandibular disorders; PEMF; Functional limitations; Quality of life; Placebo.

CTRI registration number-CTRI/2025/11/097152.

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Nil

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this manuscript. No financial, personal, or professional relationships exist that could be perceived to influence the work presented.

How to cite this article: Ashish Kallur, Nagachandran K S, Remmiya Mary Varghese. Functional Impact of PEMF Therapy in Symptomatic Temporomandibular Disorders. Int J Orthod Rehabil 2026; 17 (3): 95-106.

Doi: https://doi.org/10.56501/internationaljournaloforthodonticrehabilitation/vol-17/issue-3/ms-2026-012

Original Article

Year : 2025 | Volume : 16 | Issue : 2 | Page : 41-54

Exploring Therapeutic Insights: Computational Docking Analysis of 5HTR2A Protein Structure involved in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Shravani VP1, Nagachandran K.S.2, Remmiya Mary Varghese3, Sivakamavalli J4

1-Postgraduate Resident, 2-Professor, 3-Associate Professor, Department of Orthodontics, 4-Research Scientist, Lab in Biotechnology and Bio signal Transduction, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha University, Chennai-77, Tamil Nadu, India

Address for Correspondence:

Dr. Nagachandran K.S.

Professor, Department of Orthodontics

Saveetha Dental college and Hospitals

SIMATS University, Chennai- 600077

Tamil Nadu, India

Email address: shraasvp98@gmail.com

ABSTRACT  

INTRODUCTION: Dysregulated HTR2A receptor function and serotonin signaling pathways can contribute to TMJ disorders, underscoring the significance of comprehending structural variations in the HTR2A gene protein for pioneering therapeutic strategies. This study aims to explore the molecular interactions between HTR2A receptor and potential therapeutic ligands via computational docking, aiming to pinpoint innovative targets for intervening pain in TMJ disorders.

METHODS: A virtual screening of 100 candidate compounds was performed based on drug-likeness, molecular docking scores, and ADMET profiles. The 3D structure of the HTR2A receptor was retrieved (PDB ID: 6A94), and docking simulations were conducted using AutoDock Vina and BIOVIA Discovery Studio. Pharmacophore models were generated using LigandScout, and key ligands were analyzed using PyRx, PyMOL, and pkCSM tools.

RESULTS: The PyRx molecular docking analysis identified two novel compounds, 2,5-Dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine and 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine, displaying robust binding affinities with the HTR2A gene in comparison to conventional compounds. In addition, these newly identified compounds satisfied stringent pharmaceutical criteria, meeting criteria such as Lipinski's Rule, Ghose's Rule, Veber's Rule, Egan's Rule, and Muegge's Rule, suggesting their potential as promising therapeutic options for treating TMJ disorders.

CONCLUSION: The study highlights the strong binding affinity between the 5HTR2A gene and novel compounds, suggesting their potential as effective therapeutic agents for TMJ disorders, with promising pharmacokinetic profiles and implications for advancing computational drug discovery in medical research.

KEYWORDS: Temporomandibular Joint, Gene, 5HTR2A, Serotonin, Pain
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

The author(s) declare that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this article.

FUNDING STATEMENT

No funding was received regarding this research.

How to cite this article: Shravani VP, Nagachandran K.S, Remmiya Mary Varghese, Sivakamavalli J. Exploring Therapeutic Insights: Computational Docking Analysis of 5HTR2A Protein Structure involved in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders. Int J Orthod Rehabil 2025; 16 (2): 41-54.