The effects of cervical stabilisation exercises on craniomandibular neuromuscular function and muscle activity in young women with sleep bruxism
Cranio - Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1080/08869634.2026.2679594
- Dergi Adı: Cranio - Journal of Craniomandibular and Sleep Practice
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Biomedical Reference Collection: Corporate Edition (EBSCO)
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Bruxism, cervical vertebrae, electromyography, exercise therapy, sleep wake disorders
- Bilecik Şeyh Edebali Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose: Sleep Bruxism (SB) is recognised as repetitive masticatory muscle activity rather than a disorder, yet its musculoskeletal consequences remain clinically relevant. Cervical stabilisation exercises (CSE) may influence masticatory neuromuscular regulation through trigeminocervical convergence. This study investigated the effects of a six-week CSE programme on masticatory and cervical area in individuals with SB. Methods: Twenty-eight female participants (aged 18–30) were randomised to experimental or control groups, with assessments at baseline, post-intervention and at six-week follow-up. Surface electromyography recorded resting and working activity of the masseter, temporalis and trapezius muscles. Tongue pressure, maximum mouth opening, tongue range of motion ratio, head posture and sleep quality were secondary outcomes. Results: Significant reductions in masticatory and cervical resting muscle activity were observed, alongside improvements in tongue performance and head posture. Sleep quality remained unchanged. Conclusions: These findings suggest CSE may contribute to the neuromuscular regulation of the stomatognathic system as a complementary musculoskeletal approach in SB management.