The Effects of Mouthguard and Physiotherapy on Bruxism: An EMG and Posture Angle Analysis – A Pilot Clinical Study

Objective: The purpose of this research was to determine whether a clinical trial to assess the impact of physiotherapy and mouthguards on bruxism was feasible. This included assessing participant recruitment, carrying out the interventions, and gathering data with appropriate techniques. The study focused on using posture angle analysis to evaluate changes in posture linked to bruxism and electromyography (EMG) to detect muscular activity. By exploring these elements, the study aimed to provide the groundwork for a more extensive, larger clinical trial. Materials and methods: Participants were recruited from the USJ dental clinics after their consultations. They were screened for bruxism using a questionnaire and clinical examination conducted with the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC-TMD) questionnaire. The mouthguard-only group received a custom-fitted mouthguard fabricated by a qualified dentist. The mouthguard was worn during sleep for 6 weeks. Participants were instructed to clean the mouthguard daily and to store it in a cool, dry place. The mouthguard-and-physiotherapy group received a custom-fitted mouthguard and physiotherapy. The physiotherapy home program consisted of posture exercises, relaxation techniques, and physiotherapy targeting the muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders. Participants performed the exercises daily at home, recorded them, and sent the videos to a social platform for 6 weeks. Results: A total of 10 individuals were included in the study (n=10). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups for maximum intercuspation, posture angle, or resting state (p=0.31, 0.22, and 0.06, respectively). Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that recruitment, intervention delivery, and data collection were feasible in this setting. However, no significant differences were detected between groups after 6 weeks. Given the small sample size and short duration, the findings should be interpreted with caution. Further research with larger cohorts and longer follow-up is necessary to draw definitive conclusions on the effectiveness of mouthguards and physiotherapy for bruxism. Keywords: Bruxism, Electromyography, Posture, Physical Therapy Modalities, Photogrammetry, Occlusal Splint