Objectives: A muscle exercise device called the Bite Assist Exerciser (BAE) was evaluated with the objective of determining if it reduces muscle pain while increasing muscle function in patients with oral muscle dysfunction and /or muscle pain associated with specific temporomandibular joint disorders. Methods: 45 consecutive eligible patients who presented to the Brotman Facial Pain Center for treatment were asked to participate in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. Group 1: any state of the art patient treatment normally rendered except for the use of the exercise device. Group 2: same as in group 1 except for the addition of the muscle exercise device. Group 3: home care instructions, home physiotherapy, use of the exercise device, and the use of pain medication, if needed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences found between the groups, but there was a trend noted toward the efficacy of the exercice device. Clinical measurements (interincisal opening, lateral movements, joint noises, etc.) demonstrated the least amount of differences between groups. Subjective pain levels were more reduced in groups using the exercise device but the differences did not reach statistical significance (p=.08). Similarly, the groups using the exercise device were more positive about their overall wellness and functioning levels during and after treatment but again not to a level that reached statistical significance(p=.1). Conclusions: Muscle exercise devices could be useful in the treatment of TMD with muscular components. This was a small study and recommendations are made for future research.

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