Confounders in the relationship between temporomandibular disorders and posture: a scoping review protocol

ABSTRACT Background The relationship between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and posture is widely discussed in literature. However, evidence to support this relationship is scarce, and little is known about their causal association. Objectives The aim of this scoping review is to provide an analysis on how much the potential confounders (craniofacial morphological elements, sleep apnea and/or psychological factors) are the real responsible for postural changes. Methods A search will be conducted through all publications written in English and Italian about this topic using Mediline (PubMed) database. Cross-sectional studies will be included concerning morphological (e.g. class II, class III, crossbite, etc.), respiratory (e.g. sleep apnea) and/or psychological (e.g. anxiety, depression) elements and postural patterns (lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis, forward head position) in adults (≥18 years). No restriction for the year of publication. The level of bias in the included studies will be assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Analytical Cross-Sectional Studies.