Bruxism
Conditions
Keywords
manual therapy, Bruxism, Cervical Mobilization, Sacroiliac Joint, Pilates, Proprioception
Brief summary
This study investigated the effects of adding cervical and sacroiliac mobilization to a Pilates-based exercise program on pain, perceived stress, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, jaw functional limitation, cervical range of motion, cervical joint position error, and sacroiliac joint screening findings in individuals with bruxism. Thirty-eight participants were randomly allocated to a Pilates-only group (n=19) or a Manual Therapy + Pilates group (n=19). Both groups completed an 8-week, twice-weekly Pilates protocol (16 sessions); the Manual Therapy + Pilates group additionally received cervical and sacroiliac mobilization.
Detailed description
Bruxism is a repetitive jaw-muscle activity associated with musculoskeletal and psychosocial dysfunction, including cervical spine impairment and altered proprioception. This randomized study examined whether adding cervical and sacroiliac mobilization to a standardized Pilates-based exercise program produces greater improvements than Pilates alone. Outcomes included pain intensity (VAS), perceived stress (PSS-10), pain catastrophizing (PCS), kinesiophobia (TSK-17), jaw functional limitation (JFLS-8), cervical range of motion (goniometry), cervical joint position error, and sacroiliac joint screening (Standing Forward Flexion Test, Gillet Test), assessed before and after the 8-week intervention.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALPilates-Based Exercise Program
A structured Pilates-based exercise program targeting core stability, posture, and cervical control, performed twice weekly for 8 weeks (16 sessions total, 30-40 minutes per session).
PROCEDURECervical and Sacroiliac Mobilization
Manual mobilization techniques applied to the cervical spine and sacroiliac joint, performed in addition to the Pilates-based exercise program.
Sponsors
Elif Tuğçe Çil
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Being between 18 and 65 years of age * Being diagnosed with bruxism (awake bruxism and/or sleep bruxism) based on clinical presentation and self-reported symptoms * Reporting symptoms such as jaw clenching, teeth grinding, masticatory muscle fatigue, or orofacial discomfort * Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing written informed consent * Having sufficient cognitive ability to understand and follow instructions * Being physically capable of participating in a structured exercise program * Not receiving any ongoing physiotherapy or rehabilitation program targeting the craniofacial, cervical, or lumbopelvic regions during the study period
Exclusion criteria
* History of surgical intervention involving the temporomandibular joint, cervical spine, or craniofacial region Presence of neurological, rheumatological, or systemic diseases that could affect movement, pain perception, or neuromuscular control Diagnosis of severe temporomandibular joint disorders that significantly limit jaw function or require specialized medical treatment Presence of acute musculoskeletal injury affecting the cervical spine, lumbar region, or lower extremities Current use of medications affecting neuromuscular function, such as muscle relaxants, sedatives, or psychotropic drugs Diagnosed psychiatric conditions that could interfere with participation or compliance with the study protocol Participation in any physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or structured exercise program targeting the craniofacial, cervical, or lumbopelvic regions during the study period Pregnancy, due to potential alterations in musculoskeletal and hormonal status Inability to attend regular sessions or complete the intervention protocol
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity (VAS) | Baseline and after 8-week intervention | Pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (0-10 cm), with higher scores indicating greater pain. |
| Perceived Stress (PSS-10) | Baseline and after 8-week intervention | Perceived stress assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), with higher scores indicating greater perceived stress. |
| Pain Catastrophizing (PCS) | Baseline and after 8-week intervention | Pain catastrophizing assessed using the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), with higher scores indicating greater catastrophizing. |
| Cervical Joint Position Error | Baseline and after 8-week intervention | Cervical proprioception assessed via joint position error (flexion, extension, right/left rotation), with smaller error indicating better proprioceptive accuracy. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Range of Motion | Baseline and after 8-week intervention | Cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion, right/left rotation) assessed with goniometry. |
| Kinesiophobia (TSK-17) | Baseline and after 8-week intervention | Fear of movement/kinesiophobia assessed using the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-17 (TSK-17), with higher scores indicating greater kinesiophobia. |
| Sacroiliac Joint Screening | Baseline and after 8-week intervention | Sacroiliac joint status assessed using the Standing Forward Flexion Test and the Gillet Test, categorized as negative or positive (with side/structure indicated when positive). |
Countries
Turkey (Türkiye)
Outcome results
None listed