Somatosensory awareness training versus jaw and posture exercises for awake bruxism
Somatosensory Training Versus Exercise Therapy in Awake Bruxism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether somatosensory awareness training or jaw and posture exercises help adults with daytime teeth clenching (awake bruxism) reduce pain and improve jaw function and sensory processing.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Aydin Adnan Menderes University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Aydin and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07336082 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-blind, randomized, parallel-group pilot trial will assign adults with diagnosed awake bruxism to one of three groups: somatosensory awareness-based training, jaw and posture exercise therapy, or a wait-list control. Both active interventions are delivered over a 4-week period and include standardized physiotherapy sessions and home exercises. Outcomes include pain intensity, functional measures, and objective somatosensory processing tests assessed at baseline and follow-up. The trial is conducted at the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Unit and Faculty of Dentistry of Aydın Adnan Menderes University with recruitment planned from December 2025 to September 2026.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–45 with a standardized diagnosis of awake bruxism, baseline orofacial pain ≥5/10, measurable somatosensory alterations, and willingness to attend in-person sessions are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with very high disability (GCPS Grade IV), systemic inflammatory or neurological disorders, severe unrelated chronic pain, or recent use of occlusal splints or facial/jaw/neck therapy are unlikely to benefit or are excluded.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a non-invasive physiotherapy option that reduces jaw pain and improves facial sensory awareness and function for adults with awake bruxism.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work shows altered somatosensory processing in orofacial pain and modest benefits from exercise-based approaches, but somatosensory-awareness training for awake bruxism is relatively novel with limited direct trial evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 to 45 years * Clinical diagnosis of awake bruxism confirmed using standardized diagnostic criteria (STAB and DC/TMD Axis I) * Presence of at least one measurable somatosensory alteration confirmed at baseline using digital and clinical assessments * Self-reported daytime jaw clenching or parafunctional activity * Baseline orofacial pain intensity of ≥5/10 on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) * Chronic pain graded as GCPS Grades I-III according to DC/TMD Axis II (Turkish validated version) * Willingness to comply with the study protocol and attend scheduled treatment sessions * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * GCPS Grade IV (high disability level) * Presence of systemic inflammatory, neurological, or rheumatological disorders * Diagnosis of severe chronic pain conditions unrelated to bruxism * Use of occlusal splints or participation in jaw, neck, or facial therapy within the past 3 months * Psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment that could interfere with study participation * Pregnancy, due to potential effects on joint laxity and postural parameters
Where this trial is running
Aydin and 1 other locations
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Unit — Aydin, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
- Aydin Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Unit — Aydin, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gul Oznur KARABICAK, PhD — Aydin Adnan Menderes University
- Study coordinator: Gul Oznur Karabicak, Phd
- Email: guloznur@gmail.com
- Phone: +905053569409
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.