Somatosensory awareness training versus jaw and posture exercises for awake bruxism

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

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• Mobile prompts and education to reduce jaw clenching and awake bruxism

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.