Examining muscle activity in people with bruxism

Investigation of the Relationship Between Autonomic Nervous System Activity and Biomechanical Characteristics of Chewing Muscles in Bruxers

Observational Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University · NCT06824766

This study is trying to see how the muscles in the jaw and the nervous system work together in people with bruxism compared to those without it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorBandırma Onyedi Eylül University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Balikesir)
Trial IDNCT06824766 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between autonomic nervous system activity and the muscle characteristics of the temporalis and masseter muscles in individuals diagnosed with bruxism compared to healthy controls. Participants will undergo evaluations that include measuring pain intensity in the masticatory muscles, heart rate variability, and muscle tonus, stiffness, and elasticity using specific devices. Each participant will be assessed once, and the evaluations are expected to take about 20 minutes. The study seeks to provide insights into the physiological aspects of bruxism.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 18-65 diagnosed with bruxism for at least six months and experiencing significant muscle pain.

Not a fit: Patients with recent botox treatments, significant substance use, or specific medical conditions affecting the jaw or nervous system may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of bruxism and lead to improved management strategies for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on similar studies, the approach of assessing muscle characteristics in relation to bruxism is relatively novel and may provide new insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with bruxism between the ages of 18-65,
* A history of bruxism for at least 6 months,
* Individuals with masseter muscle pain ≥4 at rest and during mastication
* Control group: Healthy individuals aged 18-65 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Masseter botox application in the last 6 months,
* With regular use of analgesics and anti-inflammatories affecting the OSS,
* Smokes 20 or more cigarettes daily,
* With regular alcohol use of 1-2 glasses per day,
* Daily coffee consumption of 6 cups or more,
* Cardiovascular, respiratory and central nervous system diseases,
* Presence of infection or tumoural structures within intraoral structures,
* Multiple ear piercings,
* With TMJ disc displacement and joint degeneration,
* Cervical or TMJ fracture, systemic disease, musculoskeletal problem with evidence of specific pathological condition,
* Any surgical operation related to cervical or TMJ problem,
* Less than 6 months of cervical or TMJ-related physiotherapy and rehabilitation services,
* The one with facial paralysis,
* Diagnosed psychiatric illness
* Participants who have communication difficulties in speaking and understanding Turkish or who are unable to understand the exercises

Where this trial is running

Balikesir

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions BruxismAutonomic nervous systembruxismmasseter
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.