Effects of different interventions on bruxism: an overview of systematic reviews.
Larissa Soares-Silva, Camila Silva de Amorim, Marcela Baraúna Magno...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38177829Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years - 45Years
All Genders
ID07336082
Somatosensory Training Versus Exercise Therapy in Awake Bruxism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by Aydin Adnan Menderes University · Updated on 2026-01-13
20
Participants Needed
2
Research Sites
8 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Awake bruxism, which involves daytime teeth clenching or jaw tension, can cause jaw and facial pain, muscle fatigue, and lower quality of life. Researchers are evaluating two physiotherapy-based treatments compared to a wait-list control group to better understand how these approaches affect pain and function in adults with awake bruxism. This study focuses on both physical and sensory changes in the brain that may contribute to bruxism-related pain. Participants are randomly assigned to one of three groups: a somatosensory awareness-based training group, a jaw and posture exercise therapy group, or a wait-list control group. The somatosensory training enhances body and sensory awareness of the face and jaw through tactile and proprioceptive exercises without conventional strengthening. The exercise therapy includes jaw mobility, relaxation, postural alignment, scapular stabilization, and cervical exercises delivered twice weekly for four weeks. The wait-list group continues usual routines during the initial four weeks and may receive treatment afterward. Throughout the study, participants undergo assessments at baseline, immediately after the 4-week treatment, and at follow-ups up to 12 weeks. Evaluations include orofacial pain intensity and disability, jaw function, sensory processing tests, muscle structure imaging, oral parafunctional behaviors, and quality of life related to oral health. Adherence to home exercises and awareness tasks is monitored regularly. This comprehensive evaluation aims to improve physiotherapy strategies by addressing both sensory and physical aspects of awake bruxism.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Somatosensory Training Versus Exercise Therapy in Awake Bruxism
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years - 45Years
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Adults aged 18 to 45 years
- Clinical diagnosis of awake bruxism confirmed using standardized diagnostic criteria (STAB and DC/TMD Axis I)
- Presence of at least one measurable somatosensory alteration confirmed at baseline using digital and clinical assessments
- Self-reported daytime jaw clenching or parafunctional activity
- Baseline orofacial pain intensity of 5/10 on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
- Chronic pain graded as GCPS Grades I-III according to DC/TMD Axis II (Turkish validated version)
- Willingness to comply with the study protocol and attend scheduled treatment sessions
- Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- GCPS Grade IV (high disability level)
- Presence of systemic inflammatory, neurological, or rheumatological disorders
- Diagnosis of severe chronic pain conditions unrelated to bruxism
- Use of occlusal splints or participation in jaw, neck, or facial therapy within the past 3 months
- Psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment that could interfere with study participation
- Pregnancy, due to potential effects on joint laxity and postural parameters
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Treatment
Duration - 4 weeks
Participants receive either somatosensory awareness-based training, jaw and posture exercise therapy, or no active treatment (wait-list control) over a 4-week period. The somatosensory training involves daily home tasks with weekly follow-ups, while the exercise therapy includes supervised face-to-face sessions twice per week combined with home exercises.
Twice weekly supervised sessions plus weekly follow-ups for home program monitoring
Follow-up
Duration - 8 weeks
Participants are followed for an additional 8 weeks after treatment completion to assess pain, function, and somatosensory processing outcomes at Weeks 6 and 12.
Assessments at Week 6 and Week 12 (in-person visits)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 2 locations
1
Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Unit
Aydin, Turkey (Türkiye), 09100
Actively Recruiting
2
Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Unit
Aydin, Turkey (Türkiye), 09100
Actively Recruiting
Loading map...
Research Team
G
Gul Oznur Karabicak, Phd
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
DOUBLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
Similar Trials
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions? Get in touch with our team for quick support
Not the Right Trial for You?
Explore thousands of other clinical trials that might be a better match.
Sign up to get personalized trial recommendations delivered to your inbox.
Already have an account? Log in here
Published Research Related To This Trial
Comparative analysis of different types of occlusal splints for the management of sleep bruxism: a systematic review.
Sultan Ainoosah, Ahmed E Farghal, Marwa Saad Alzemei...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38182999Clinical Reasoning for the Examination and Physical Therapy Treatment of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD): A Narrative Literature Review.
César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, Harry Von Piekartz
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33212937The neural substrates of bruxism: current knowledge and clinical implications.
Karin Harumi Uchima Koecklin, Aron Aliaga-Del Castillo, Peng Li
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39410996Neural Correlates of Tooth Clenching in Patients with Bruxism and Temporomandibular Disorder-Related Pain.
Theo Jm Kluskens, Peter Awh Kessler, Bernadette M Jansma...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37389840Does combining oro-facial manual therapy with bruxism neuroscience education affect pain and function in cases of awake bruxism? A pilot study.
Harry von Piekartz, Sonja Bleiss, Sebastian Herzer...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38894567Tactile trigeminal region acuity in temporomandibular disorders: A reliability and cross-sectional study.
Roy La Touche, Ferran Cuenca-Martínez, Luis Suso-Martí...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31394008Bruxism defined and graded: an international consensus.
F Lobbezoo, J Ahlberg, A G Glaros...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23121262Standardised Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism.
Daniele Manfredini, Jari Ahlberg, Ghizlane Aarab...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36597658