Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Maxillofacial Rehabilitation Using Motor Imagery vs Sham After Orthognathic Surgery

This study is investigating if adding 'motor imagery' to standard physiotherapy can improve recovery after jaw surgery. Motor imagery is a technique where you mentally rehearse a movement without actually doing it. People who have jaw surgery, often for problems with their jaw's growth, usually need physiotherapy to help them open their mouth fully and speak and chew properly again. The study wants to see if mentally practising jaw movements, alongside physical exercises, helps speed up how well people recover their mouth opening, jaw movement, and overall jaw function, as well as their quality of life. This is compared to people who do puzzles like Sudoku or crosswords while also having physiotherapy.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Hospices Civils de Lyon

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Mar 2024

Estimated completion

31 Mar 2028

Maxillofacial Abnormalities

What is this study about?

When people have surgery on their jaw, often due to growth differences that affect chewing, speaking, or their appearance, they usually need help to recover. This recovery often involves physiotherapy to get their mouth opening properly again and to help with the overall function of their jaw. Having difficulty with jaw movement can impact daily activities and even self-confidence.

This research is exploring a new idea called 'motor imagery'. This is a technique where you imagine yourself doing a movement, like opening your jaw wide, without actually moving it. Athletes often use this to improve their performance, and it's also used in other areas of rehabilitation. The study wants to find out if adding these mental exercises to the usual jaw physiotherapy can make a difference in how quickly and how well people recover their ability to open their mouth and use their jaw after surgery.

Participants in the study will either do these mental movement exercises or they will do a different mental task, like solving puzzles. Both groups will also receive regular physiotherapy. By comparing the results, the researchers hope to understand if combining mental practice with physical therapy is a better way to help people get back to normal after jaw surgery, improving their jaw's function and their quality of life.

Key takeaways

This study explores a new way to help jaw surgery recovery.
It compares mental exercises (motor imagery) with puzzles.
The goal is to improve mouth opening and jaw function.
Participants will also receive standard physiotherapy.
It aims to understand how mental practice affects recovery and quality of life.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who has recently had jaw surgery involving the lower jaw, either on its own or together with the upper jaw. You'll need to understand what the study is about and agree to take part.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've only had surgery on your upper jaw or on your chin, as these types of operations usually have a much quicker recovery without needing the same kind of physiotherapy. You also can't be in the study if you're already taking part in another research study that might affect your recovery, or if you can't imagine yourself opening your mouth widely when asked.

Finally, you must be receiving your rehabilitation care at one of the hospitals involved in the study. This study is not open to pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or anyone under legal guardianship.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you had jaw surgery involving your lower jaw?
Can you clearly imagine yourself opening your mouth wide?
Are you receiving rehabilitation at one of the study hospitals?
Are you not currently pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

The specific details of what taking part will involve, such as the number of visits, assessments, and the total duration, are not fully detailed in this summary. However, it mentions that physiotherapy typically lasts for 3 months after surgery. Participants will either be doing specific mental exercises (motor imagery) or a control task (like puzzles or watching a non-emotional film) in addition to their regular physiotherapy. The study will assess how well you recover your mouth-opening ability, other jaw movements, overall jaw function, and your quality of life. You should discuss the exact schedule and what's expected of you with the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help improve your jaw recovery after surgery by adding a new mental technique to your physiotherapy. While the mental exercises themselves are generally considered low risk, there's always a chance that your recovery might not be impacted, or you might find the tasks challenging. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (3)

Cabinet Bataille
Verified postcode
Lyon, France
Cabinet de kinésithérapie Saint Alexandre
Verified postcode
Lyon, France
Hôpital Henry Gabrielle
Verified postcode
Saint-Genis-Laval, France

Common questions

What is 'motor imagery'?

Motor imagery is when you mentally picture yourself performing a movement, like opening your mouth wide, without actually moving. It's like a mental practice.

What kind of surgery is this study for?

This study is for people who have had surgery that involves their lower jaw, either on its own or together with their upper jaw.

Will I still get my normal physiotherapy?

Yes, all participants in the study will continue to receive their regular physiotherapy as planned after their surgery.

What if I can't imagine movements very well?

If you find it difficult to imagine movements, you might not be suitable for this study. The researchers will check this with a questionnaire.

Why is it important to improve mouth opening after jaw surgery?

Improving mouth opening is crucial for everyday activities like eating, speaking, and maintaining good oral hygiene after jaw surgery.

How to find out more

Sébastien MATEO

sebastien.mateo@chu-lyon.fr 0478865066 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.