Impact of Self-Management Strategies in Self-Reported Bruxism

Cyprus International University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction; Bruxism; Self-management; Proprioception; Pain

Treatments: Other: Self-Management Strategies

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06914388

020-5790

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aim to evaluate the effects of a 6-week self-management program on pain, muscle stiffness, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) functions in sedentary individuals aged 18-40 with bruxism. Thirty-five individuals will be evaluated. Bruxism will be assessed using the Bruxism Assessment Questionnaire, while temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD) will be evaluated using the Helkimo Clinical Dysfunction Index and the Fonseca Questionnaire. Masseter muscle pain threshold will be measured with a digital algometer, muscle stiffness with a Shore Durometer, mandibular depression range of motion with a bicondylar caliper, and TMJ proprioception with TMJ position sense. Assessments will be conducted pre-intervention and at the end of the fourth week.

Full description

The 4-week self-management program significantly increased the masseter pain threshold (p<0.001) and reduced muscle stiffness at rest and during contraction (p<0.001). TMJD severity, as measured by the Helkimo Index (p=0.010) and Fonseca Questionnaire (p<0.001), was significantly reduced. Additionally, TMJ position sense and mandibular depression range of motion improved significantly (p<0.001). Self-management strategies positively impact bruxism symptoms, including pain, muscle stiffness, and TMJ functions. These strategies should be considered an integral part of TMJD and bruxism management.

Enrollment: 35 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 40 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults aged 18 to 40 years
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Clinical diagnosis of sleep and/or awake bruxism

Exclusion criteria

• Significant musculoskeletal disorders of the cervical or thoracic spine
• Chronic illnesses
• Neurological conditions affecting balance and postural control
• Pregnancy
• The presence of dental prostheses
• Participants who missed more than 15 sessions

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: N/A

Interventional model: Single Group Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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35 participants in 1 patient group

Self-Management

Experimental group

Description:

Participants were recruited from individuals seeking treatment at a physiotherapy clinic.

Treatment:

Other: Self-Management Strategies