Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2026

In Vivo Evaluation of the Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Rat Tongue
Published on: July 6, 2017
Jaw Exercise Versus Jaw & Posture Exercise Therapies in Comparison to Occlusal Splint Effectiveness in Probable Sleep
Gul Oznur Karabicak1, Göknil Alkan Demetoğlu2, Gokhan Ozkan3
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Aydin, Turkey.
Background:
Despite various treatment approaches for bruxism, there is limited evidence comparing exercise therapy and occlusal splints, highlighting the importance of this study.
Objectives:
To compare the effects of a 6-week jaw exercise (JE) program with combined jaw and posture exercises (JP) on pain and mandibular motion in patients with probable sleep bruxism. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the effects of the interventions on oral parafunctions, posture, and sleep quality.
Methods:
Sixty-three patients with probable sleep bruxism were randomly assigned to JE, JP, or Occlusal Splints (OS) groups at the University Hospital. Pain levels were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the maximum oral opening was measured using a calliper. Secondary outcomes included oral parafunctions, evaluated via the Oral Behaviours Checklist, and posture, assessed using craniovertebral and craniohorizontal angles. Assessments were performed at baseline, post-treatment (6th week), and 12th week follow-up. Data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA (Group × Time).
Results:
All groups demonstrated significant pain reductions (p < 0.05), but none of the groups showed superiority (p > 0.05). Mouth opening improved significantly only in the JE group (p < 0.05), with no intergroup differences (p > 0.05). Improvements in oral parafunctions occurred in the JE and JP groups (p < 0.05), but the differences between the groups were not significant (p > 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the craniovertebral or craniohorizontal angles (p > 0.05). No adverse events were observed in any intervention group.
Conclusion:
This trial found no substantial superiority between interventions. Exercise-based therapies (JE and JP) and OS similarly improved pain, mouth opening, and oral parafunctions in bruxism patients, with no postural changes. Further studies should explore long-term effects in diverse populations.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05555628.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Skeletal Muscle Relaxants: Therapeutic Uses
Teeth
In the bud stage, the tooth germ (an aggregation of cells) starts to form in the developing jawbone. During the cap stage, the tooth germ differentiates into enamel organ, dental papilla, and dental sac, which will later develop into the tooth's enamel, dentin...
Assessment of the Mouth
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Sleep Apnea
The condition is more prevalent among...

