Comparison of the Effects of Different Massage Techniques in Individuals With Bruxism

ConditionBruxism
Trial statusNot yet recruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexAll
Age18-45
SponsorOkan University

About this trial

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of occlusal splint therapy and different massage techniques on pain intensity and orofacial muscle tone and stiffness in individuals with possible sleep bruxism. A secondary aim is to evaluate the effects of these interventions on oral parafunctional behaviors, disability, and sleep quality.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Possible diagnosis of sleep bruxism,

Reporting jaw or chewing muscle pain within the last 3 months

Disqualifiers

Having any orthopedic, neurological, or psychiatric diagnosis,

Having systemic and/or degenerative disorders,

Neurological or psychiatric disorders (excluding anxiety and depression),

Using medications that affect sleep or motor behavior,

Trial design

Design model

Parallel

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Connective tissue massage

    Other intervention

    Connective tissue massage will be planned to include reflex-activated manual techniques targeting the subcutaneous connective tissue in the face and mandibular region. The individual will be positioned supine, and the application will be performed using specific skin-tightening maneuvers that create gliding between the skin and subcutaneous tissues. The techniques will focus particularly on connective tissue areas around the masseter, temporalis, and mandibular ramus. During the application, slow and controlled maneuvers aimed at creating tension in the connective tissue rather than deep mechanical pressure will be preferred. Each session will last approximately 30 minutes and will be applied twice a week for a total of 4 weeks.

  • Classic massage

    Other intervention

    The classic massage treatment will be planned to include superficial and deep manual techniques targeting the facial and chewing muscles. Prior to the treatment, the individual will be positioned supine in a comfortable position. The massage protocol will include effleurage (superficial stroking), petrissage (kneading), friction (circular deep pressure), and gentle vibration techniques. The application will be performed bilaterally, targeting the masseter, temporalis, buccinator, and perioral muscle groups. Pressure intensity will be adjusted according to the individual's tolerance, avoiding pain provocation. Each session will last approximately 30 minutes and will be performed twice a week for a total of 4 weeks.

  • Occlusal Splint Group

    Other intervention

    Individuals in the OS group will have an occlusal splint fitted by the dental department and will be provided with guidance on lifestyle changes to be considered in daily living activities. Following a clinical examination by the dentist, an impression will be taken of each volunteer's upper dental arch using irreversible hydrocolloid and used to prepare a maxillary Michigan type occlusal splint. Volunteers will be instructed to wear the splint while sleeping and the necessary adjustments will be made by the same dentist after two weeks.

Treatment groups

42 Participants
are divided into 3 treatment groups
Group A: Classical Massage Group (CM)Active comparator 1 intervention
Group B: Connective Tissue Massage Group (CMM)Active comparator 1 intervention
Group C: Occlusal Splint Group (OS)Active comparator 1 intervention

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

1

Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

The VAS is a widely validated and reliable measurement tool developed to quantitatively assess an individual's perception of pain. It is typically designed as a straight line approximately 10 cm long; the left end of the line represents "no pain," and the right end represents "very severe/unbearable pain." Participants indicate the pain they feel by marking a point on the line as they see fit. The value obtained by measuring the marked point numerically expresses the individual's pain level. This scale was chosen for this study due to its ease of application, sensitivity, and widespread acceptance in clinical and research settings.

Time frame
Before intervention, 4th week and 8th week after intervention
2

Analysis of Jaw Muscle Tone and Stiffness

Using the Myoton Pro device, physical characteristics such as tone (F) and stiffness (S) of the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, and masseter muscles will be measured. These measurements will help determine the adaptations that bruxism creates in the soft tissues.

Time frame
Before intervention, 4th week and 8th week after intervention
3

Oral Habits

The 21-item Oral Habits Checklist (OHAC) will be used to assess participants' oral parafunctional behaviors. The questionnaire, which asks about the frequency of parafunctional habits such as teeth clenching, teeth grinding, nail biting, lip biting, cheek biting, pen chewing, and gum chewing in the past month, will be answered using a 4-point Likert scale.

Time frame
Before intervention, 4th week and 8th week after intervention
4

Jaw Functional Restriction

The 'Jaw Functional Restriction Scale-8' (CFRS) will be used for functional assessment. Individuals will be asked to determine their level of restriction for each of the 8 items on the scale within the last month. Individuals will be informed that on a 10 cm horizontal line, the number '0' represents 'no restriction' and the number '10' represents 'severe restriction'. The average of the individual's answers will be taken to calculate the functional restriction.

Time frame
Before intervention, 4th week and 8th week after intervention

Secondary outcomes

Other outcomes

Locations

This trial has no locations.

Sponsors and contacts

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