Linguistic validation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Polish version of the BruxApp Cloud platform for the monitoring of awake bruxism

BACKGROUND: The clinical paradigm for assessing awake bruxism (AB) has evolved from retrospective self-reports toward real-time, data-driven monitoring through ecological momentary assessment (EMA). The BruxApp Cloud platform represents a significant technological advancement in this field, enabling real-time monitoring of masticatory muscle behaviors. However, the international applicability of such digital health instruments depends on rigorous linguistic validation and cultural adaptation to ensure that the ecological validity and conceptual intent of the original instrument are preserved across different linguistic and cultural populations. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to linguistically validate and culturally adapt the Polish version of the BruxApp Cloud platform in accordance with the latest international standards. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A methodological study was conducted in accordance with the 12-step international guideline for bruxism-related instruments. The protocol comprised independent forward translations performed by a specialist and a "naive" translator, followed by a back translation by 2 independent bilingual native speakers. An expert panel comprising clinicians, translators, and one of the original developers then conducted an iterative reconciliation process to resolve discrepancies and ensure conceptual equivalence between the original English version and the Polish translation. RESULTS: The finalized Polish version demonstrated full conceptual and linguistic equivalence with the original English version. The reconciliation process refined anatomical and behavioral terminology - for example, "mandible bracing" was translated as napinanie żuchwy - to balance clinical precision with clarity for lay users. Rather than relying on a single group consensus, discrepancies were resolved through iterative forwardand back-translation rounds until 100% agreement with the original English source was achieved. CONCLUSIONS: The validated Polish version of BruxApp Cloud provides a standardized tool for clinical practice and research in Poland. It enables remote, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)-compliant monitoring of AB behaviors and supports cognitive-behavioral re-education through biofeedback.