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Effects of Different Graston Technique Application Speeds on Trapezius Muscle Stiffness, Pressure Pain Threshold, Pain, and Muscle Oxygenation in Patients With Bruxism
Sponsor: Gazi University
Summary
This randomized crossover study aims to address an important gap in manual therapy by examining the acute physiological effects of different Graston Technique application speeds (60 BPM vs. 120 BPM) on the dominant upper trapezius muscle in patients with bruxism. Although the Graston Technique is widely used, the specific impact of application speed on parameters such as muscle stiffness, muscle oxygenation, pressure pain threshold, and pain intensity remains under-investigated. By utilizing a crossover design with a 1-week washout period, this study allows for a precise within-subject comparison of the two speeds. The findings will clarify the optimal application frequency, providing objective data to guide the development of more effective, evidence-based manual therapy protocols for bruxism management.
Official title: A Study on the Effects of Different Application Speeds of the Graston Technique on Trapezius Muscle Stiffness, Pressure Pain Threshold, Pain Intensity, and Muscle Oxygenation in Individuals With Bruxism
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 55 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
34
Start Date
2025-03-25
Completion Date
2026-04-30
Last Updated
2026-04-02
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Graston Technique 60 BPM
GT1 and GT4 instruments will be applied using different strokes. To prepare the participant's tissue, the clinician will perform a light-intensity sweeping stroke with the GT1 instrument for 1 minute. Next, the tissue around the trigger points will be treated with a fanning stroke using the GT4 instrument for 2 minutes. Finally, the marked trigger points will be treated with a swivel stroke using the button end of the GT1 instrument for 2 minutes. During the application, the participant will sit upright with their arms resting on their thighs. The instruments will be applied at a 30 to 60-degree angle using multidirectional strokes. The application speed will be controlled using a metronome and performed at 60 beats per minute (BPM).
Graston Technique 120 BPM
GT1 and GT4 instruments will be applied using different strokes. To prepare the participant's tissue, the clinician will perform a light-intensity sweeping stroke with the GT1 instrument for 1 minute. Next, the tissue around the trigger points will be treated with a fanning stroke using the GT4 instrument for 2 minutes. Finally, the marked trigger points will be treated with a swivel stroke using the button end of the GT1 instrument for 2 minutes. During the application, the participant will sit upright with their arms resting on their thighs. The instruments will be applied at a 30 to 60-degree angle using multidirectional strokes. The application speed will be controlled using a metronome and performed at 120 beats per minute (BPM).
Locations (1)
Gazi University
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)