Does teeth grinding (bruxism) affect balance in desk workers?
The Effect of Bruxism on Dynamic Balance in Desk Workers
This study will see if teeth grinding (bruxism) changes dynamic balance and body awareness in adults who work at desks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 54 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Istinye University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Trial ID | NCT07308145 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is an observational comparison of two groups of desk-bound adults: 27 with dentist-diagnosed bruxism and 27 without. At baseline participants complete questionnaires (SF-36, PSQI, BAI, FAI, VAS, Perceived Stress Scale) and undergo physical measurements including trigger point algometry, masseter muscle assessment with Myoton PRO, and dynamic balance testing with the TecnoBody Prokin 252. All tests are performed under standardized conditions with instructions and demonstrations provided to participants. The study compares proprioception and dynamic balance performance between the bruxism and non-bruxism groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–50 who work at a desk at least four hours a day, can follow instructions, and either have a dentist diagnosis of bruxism or do not (for the control group) are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant, have active inflammatory arthritis, recent hip or knee surgery, diagnosed psychiatric illness, dentofacial anomalies, or any condition preventing completion of tests are unlikely to benefit or participate.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If a relationship is found, clinicians could consider bruxism when screening for balance problems and tailor dental or physical interventions to improve postural control in desk workers.
How similar studies have performed: Small prior studies have reported mixed links between temporomandibular/masticatory dysfunction and postural control, so this specific comparison in desk workers is relatively novel and evidence remains limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 50 years, * Participants must be diagnosed with bruxism by a dentist, * Voluntary participation and signing the informed consent form, * The participant must have the cognitive capacity to communicate and understand instructions, * Desk work hours must be at least 4 hours. Exclusion Criteria: * Unable to cooperate, * Having active inflammatory arthritis, * Having had hip or knee surgery within the last 3 months, * Having a diagnosed psychiatric illness, * Having dentofacial anomalies, * Being pregnant, * Having a physical or cognitive condition that would prevent completion of the given test protocols, * Inability to comply with or cooperate with test procedures during the measurement period.
Where this trial is running
Istanbul
- İstinye University — Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hajar Alkassab
- Email: hajarb2015@gmail.com
- Phone: +905525885429
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.