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Somatosensory Training Versus Exercise Therapy in Awake Bruxism
Sponsor: Aydin Adnan Menderes University
Summary
Awake bruxism (daytime teeth clenching or jaw tension) is a common condition that can cause jaw pain, facial pain, muscle fatigue, and reduced quality of life. Although current treatments often focus on the jaw muscles and posture, recent research suggests that changes in the brain's sensory processing may also play an important role in bruxism-related pain. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare two physiotherapy-based treatment approaches with a wait-list control group in adults with awake bruxism. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) somatosensory awareness-based training, (2) jaw and posture exercise therapy, or (3) a wait-list control group. The somatosensory training program focuses on improving body awareness and sensory perception of the face and jaw, while the exercise program includes jaw mobility, postural alignment, and cervical exercises. Both active interventions will be delivered over a 4-week period. Participants will be assessed at baseline, immediately after treatment, and during follow-up to evaluate changes over time. The main outcome of this study is orofacial pain intensity. Secondary outcomes include jaw function, sensory processing, muscle structure, oral parafunctional behaviors, and oral health-related quality of life. The results of this study may help improve physiotherapy-based treatment strategies for people with awake bruxism by addressing both physical and sensory aspects of the condition.
Official title: Somatosensory Training Versus Exercise Therapy in Awake Bruxism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2025-12-16
Completion Date
2026-12
Last Updated
2026-01-13
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Jaw exercise therapy
Participants assigned to this group receive a structured jaw and posture exercise therapy program delivered by a physiotherapist. The intervention consists of supervised face-to-face sessions twice per week over a 4-week period, combined with a home exercise program performed on non-supervised days. The program includes jaw mobility and relaxation exercises, postural correction and stabilization exercises, and cervical region exercises. In addition, manual therapy techniques are applied as clinically indicated, including ischemic trigger point therapy, cervical joint mobilization, and intraoral manual techniques. Each treatment session lasts approximately 40-45 minutes. Adherence to the home exercise program is monitored throughout the intervention period.
Somatosensory Awareness-Based Training
Participants in this group receive an individualized somatosensory awareness-based training program designed to target altered sensory perception and body schema related to the face and jaw. The intervention focuses on laterality recognition, body schema representation, and tactile discrimination, including two-point discrimination-based tasks. No conventional exercise therapy or manual therapy techniques are provided in this group. The training is delivered using a flexible, patient-specific approach, supported by structured guidance materials aimed at increasing daily awareness and self-monitoring of somatosensory experiences. Participant adherence and engagement are monitored through regular follow-up and self-report tracking.
Wait-List Control
Participants allocated to the wait-list control group do not receive any active treatment during the initial study period and continue their usual daily activities. All outcome assessments are conducted at the same time points as the intervention groups. After completion of the assessment phase, participants in this group are offered exercise therapy according to clinical need.
Locations (2)
Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Unit
Aydin, Turkey (Türkiye)
Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Unit
Aydin, Turkey (Türkiye)