Actively Recruiting
Effects of Different Application Speeds of the Graston Technique on Trapezius Muscle Stiffness, Pain Threshold, Pain, and Oxygenation in People With Bruxism
Led by Gazi University · Updated on 2026-04-02
34
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The trial investigates the immediate effects of different speeds of the Graston Technique, a manual therapy used for treating muscle stiffness and pain, specifically in the dominant upper trapezius muscle of patients with bruxism. Bruxism causes repetitive jaw muscle activity that often leads to increased muscle stiffness and pain in the neck and shoulder area. This randomized crossover study aims to clarify how the application speed (60 beats per minute vs. 120 beats per minute) influences muscle stiffness, oxygenation, pain threshold, and pain intensity. Participants will undergo two treatment sessions of the Graston Technique, one at a slow speed (60 BPM) and one at a fast speed (120 BPM), with a 1-week washout period between sessions to avoid carry-over effects. Each session lasts 5 minutes and uses specific instruments applied at controlled speeds with a metronome. The same physiotherapist will maintain consistent pressure during treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two sequences: slow then fast or fast then slow. Before and immediately after each session, researchers will measure muscle stiffness using ultrasound elastography, muscle oxygenation with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, pressure pain threshold using an algometer, and subjective pain intensity with a visual scale. The study lasts for about two weeks per participant, including both sessions and the washout period, aiming to gather objective data to guide better manual therapy practices for bruxism.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effects of Different Graston Technique Application Speeds on Trapezius Muscle Stiffness, Pressure Pain Threshold, Pain, and Muscle Oxygenation in Patients With Bruxism
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed with bruxism.
- Aged 18 to 55 years.
- Presence of trigger points in the trapezius muscle as defined by Travell and Simons.
You will not qualify if you...
- Acute tears, tendon ruptures, or severe muscle injuries.
- Skin lesions, open wounds, or infections preventing Graston Technique application.
- Botox injections in the temporomandibular joint region within the last 6 months.
- Psychological disorders affecting participation or measurements.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Two sessions separated by a 1-week washout period
Participants receive two sessions of the Graston Technique applied to the upper trapezius muscle at different speeds to assess acute effects on muscle stiffness, oxygenation, pain threshold, and pain intensity.
2 treatment visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Gazi University
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
F
Fadime Gülcan, physiotherapist
N
Nihan Karataş, Prof. Dr.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Number of Arms
2
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