Effectiveness of Visceral Manual Therapy in Bruxist Patients

February 23, 2025 updated by: Lourdes María Fernández Seguín, University of Seville

Objective: check the effectiveness of visceral manual therapy on bruxist patients Design: Experimental, analytical, longitudinal, prospective, randomized, single-blind study with a blinded evaluator.

Subjects: 68 subjects over 18 years old, with bruxism (diagnoses by a dentist). Methods: Subjects will be randomized into 2 groups: an experimental group (EG) to which a visceral manual technique will be applied and a control group (CG) to which a placebo manual technique will be administered. Both groups will receive 2 interventions one week apart. The measurements will be made before and after the interventions, and a last measurement will be made one month after the last intervention. Therefore, the patient will visit the center 3 times.

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

68

Phase

  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact Backup

  • Name: Lourdes M Fernández Seguín, PhD
  • Phone Number: +34 630258773
  • Email: lfdez@us.es

Study Locations

      • Seville, Spain, 41009
        • Recruiting
        • Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry Faculty
        • Contact:
          • Lourdes María Fernández-Seguín, PhD

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Subjects with bruxism diagnosed and referred by a dentist
  • Age: older than 18 years-old.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Recent craniofacial, mandibular or cervical trauma or fracture.
  • Temporomandibular joint surgery.
  • Acute pain due to other components of the masticatory system (caries, inflammation of the dental root).
  • Abdominal surgery.
  • Gastric ulcers.
  • Gastritis.
  • Previous or current gastric neoplasm.
  • Neurological or systemic diseases.
  • Pregnant, including the period of breastfeeding.
  • Patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
  • Cognitive, psychosomatic or psychiatric illnesses that may affect the data obtained.
  • Basic systemic disease of rheumatic origin (for example, arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout and psoriasis).
  • Cerebrovascular and brain diseases.
  • Arrhythmia and other cardiac problems.
  • Implanted electronic devices.
  • Drug or alcohol abuse, analgesic or sedative therapy, and use of medications that affect the central nervous system (for example, antidepressants, anxiolytics, and anticonvulsants).
  • Patients who have previous experience with manual treatment of the diaphragm

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: Double

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Visceral manual treatment
The objective of this technique is to reduce the tension of the tissues of the epigastric area.
The patient will be placed in a reclining sitting position and triple flexion of the lower limbs to keep the abdominal region relaxed. The therapist will be placed to the right of the patient at the height of the abdomen, with the hands placed in the epigastric area. He will make a skin fold that reduces tension in the area, so that the contact is focused on the visceral tissue of the area. The patient will be asked to take deep breaths, and during the exhalation, the therapist will perform a zigzag movement with vibration of the hands while pulling the tissue caudally. This procedure will be performed for 5 minutes.
Active Comparator: Respiratory listening
It is a maneuver to evaluate the mobility of the ribs during respiration.
The patient and the therapist will be placed in the same position as in the experimental group. The therapist will place his hands in contact with the lower rib cage, and the patient will be asked to take a deep breath. The therapist will not exert any pressure, nor place restrictions on the tissues or movements of the ribcage.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Pressure pain threshold (PPT) Baseline-1
Time Frame: Baseline pre-intervention
The pressure pain threshold of the fourth cervical vertebra and masseter and temporal muscles will be evaluated using the Wagner Force TenTM Digital Force Gage model FPX 100 algometer. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Baseline pre-intervention
PPT Change-1
Time Frame: Change from "PTT Baseline-1" immediately post-intervention
The pressure pain threshold of the fourth cervical vertebra and masseter and temporal muscles will be evaluated using the Wagner Force TenTM Digital Force Gage model FPX 100 algometer. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "PTT Baseline-1" immediately post-intervention
PPT Baseline-2
Time Frame: Baseline pre-intervention at 7 days
The pressure pain threshold of the fourth cervical vertebra and masseter and temporal muscles will be evaluated using the Wagner Force TenTM Digital Force Gage model FPX 100 algometer. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Baseline pre-intervention at 7 days
PPT Change-2
Time Frame: Change from "PTT Baseline-2" immediately post-intervention
The pressure pain threshold of the fourth cervical vertebra and masseter and temporal muscles will be evaluated using the Wagner Force TenTM Digital Force Gage model FPX 100 algometer. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "PTT Baseline-2" immediately post-intervention
PPT Change-3
Time Frame: Change from "PTT Baseline-2" and "PTT Change-2" at 1 month
The pressure pain threshold of the fourth cervical vertebra and masseter and temporal muscles will be evaluated using the Wagner Force TenTM Digital Force Gage model FPX 100 algometer. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "PTT Baseline-2" and "PTT Change-2" at 1 month
Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Baseline-1
Time Frame: Baseline pre-intervention
Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured using a Polar H10 strap and the EliteHRV mobile app to collect the data. These data were exported to Kubios software to obtain HRV results. A 5-minute measurement was performed with the patient in the supine position.
Baseline pre-intervention
HRV Change-1
Time Frame: Change from "HRV baseline-1" inmediately post-intervention
Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured using a Polar H10 strap and the EliteHRV mobile app to collect the data. These data were exported to Kubios software to obtain HRV results. A 5-minute measurement was performed with the patient in the supine position.
Change from "HRV baseline-1" inmediately post-intervention
HRV Baseline-2
Time Frame: Baseline pre-intervention at 7 days
Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured using a Polar H10 strap and the EliteHRV mobile app to collect the data. These data were exported to Kubios software to obtain HRV results. A 5-minute measurement was performed with the patient in the supine position.
Baseline pre-intervention at 7 days
HRV Change-2
Time Frame: Change from "HRV baseline-2" inmediately post-intervention
Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured using a Polar H10 strap and the EliteHRV mobile app to collect the data. These data were exported to Kubios software to obtain HRV results. A 5-minute measurement was performed with the patient in the supine position.
Change from "HRV baseline-2" inmediately post-intervention
HRV Change-3
Time Frame: Change from "HRV baseline-2" and "HRV change-2" at 1 month
Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured using a Polar H10 strap and the EliteHRV mobile app to collect the data. These data were exported to Kubios software to obtain HRV results. A 5-minute measurement was performed with the patient in the supine position.
Change from "HRV baseline-2" and "HRV change-2" at 1 month
Myotonometry baseline-1
Time Frame: Baseline pre-intervention
The muscle tone of the masseter muscle was assessed using a myotonometer (Myoton muscle diagnostics). 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Baseline pre-intervention
Myotonometry change-1
Time Frame: Change from "myotonometry baseline-1" inmediately post-intervention
The muscle tone of the masseter muscle was assessed using a myotonometer (Myoton muscle diagnostics). 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "myotonometry baseline-1" inmediately post-intervention
Myotonometry baseline-2
Time Frame: Baseline pre-intervention at 7 days
The muscle tone of the masseter muscle was assessed using a myotonometer (Myoton muscle diagnostics). 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Baseline pre-intervention at 7 days
Myotonometry change-2
Time Frame: Change from "myotonometry baseline-2" inmediately post-intervention
The muscle tone of the masseter muscle was assessed using a myotonometer (Myoton muscle diagnostics). 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "myotonometry baseline-2" inmediately post-intervention
Myotonometry change-3
Time Frame: Change from "myotonometry baseline-2" and "myotonometry change-2" at 1 month
The muscle tone of the masseter muscle was assessed using a myotonometer (Myoton muscle diagnostics). 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "myotonometry baseline-2" and "myotonometry change-2" at 1 month

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Mandibular Mobility Baseline-1
Time Frame: Baseline pre-intervention
For the measurement of vertical opening and lateral deviation of the mandible, the TheraBite® range of motion™ will be used. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Baseline pre-intervention
Mandibular Mobility Change-1
Time Frame: Change from "Mandibular Mobility Baseline-1" immediately post-intervention
For the measurement of vertical opening and lateral deviation of the mandible, the TheraBite® range of motion™ will be used. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "Mandibular Mobility Baseline-1" immediately post-intervention
Mandibular Mobility Baseline-2
Time Frame: Baseline pre-intervention at 7 days
For the measurement of vertical opening and lateral deviation of the mandible, the TheraBite® range of motion™ will be used. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Baseline pre-intervention at 7 days
Mandibular Mobility Change-2
Time Frame: Change from "Mandibular Mobility Baseline-2" immediately post-intervention
For the measurement of vertical opening and lateral deviation of the mandible, the TheraBite® range of motion™ will be used. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "Mandibular Mobility Baseline-2" immediately post-intervention
Mandibular Mobility Change-3
Time Frame: Change from "Mandibular Mobility Baseline-2" and "Mandibular Mobility Change-2" at 1 month
For the measurement of vertical opening and lateral deviation of the mandible, the TheraBite® range of motion™ will be used. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "Mandibular Mobility Baseline-2" and "Mandibular Mobility Change-2" at 1 month
Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) Baseline-1
Time Frame: Baseline pre-intervention
The evaluator will place the CROM-device® goniometer on the patient's head. It will ask you for movements of flexion, extension, right and left side flexion, and right and left rotation of the cervical spine. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Baseline pre-intervention
Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) Change-1
Time Frame: Change from "CROM Baseline-1" immediately post-intervention
The evaluator will place the CROM-device® goniometer on the patient's head. It will ask you for movements of flexion, extension, right and left side flexion, and right and left rotation of the cervical spine. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "CROM Baseline-1" immediately post-intervention
Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) Baseline-2
Time Frame: Baseline pre-intervention at 7 days
The evaluator will place the CROM-device® goniometer on the patient's head. It will ask you for movements of flexion, extension, right and left side flexion, and right and left rotation of the cervical spine. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Baseline pre-intervention at 7 days
Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) Change-2
Time Frame: Change from "CROM Baseline-2" immediately post-intervention
The evaluator will place the CROM-device® goniometer on the patient's head. It will ask you for movements of flexion, extension, right and left side flexion, and right and left rotation of the cervical spine. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "CROM Baseline-2" immediately post-intervention
Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) Change-3
Time Frame: Change from "CROM Baseline-2" and "CROM Change-2" at 1 month
The evaluator will place the CROM-device® goniometer on the patient's head. It will ask you for movements of flexion, extension, right and left side flexion, and right and left rotation of the cervical spine. 3 measurements will be made with a period of 30 seconds between measurements and we will obtain the average of the 3.
Change from "CROM Baseline-2" and "CROM Change-2" at 1 month
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14) Baseline
Time Frame: Baseline
Perceived Stress Scale evaluates the level of perceived stress during the last month and consists of 14 items. The maximum score is 56 points. A higher score corresponds to a higher level of perceived stress.
Baseline
PSS-14 Change
Time Frame: Change from Baseline PSS-14 at 1 month
Perceived Stress Scale evaluates the level of perceived stress during the last month and consists of 14 items. The maximum score is 56 points. A higher score corresponds to a higher level of perceived stress.
Change from Baseline PSS-14 at 1 month
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Baseline
Time Frame: Baseline
It is a tool used to assess the quality of sleep in the last month.It consists of 7 items that are rated on a scale of 0 to 3. An overall Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score greater than 5 produced diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing good and poor sleepers.
Baseline
PSQI Change
Time Frame: Change from Baseline PSQI at 1 month
It is a tool used to assess the quality of sleep in the last month.It consists of 7 items that are rated on a scale of 0 to 3. An overall Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score greater than 5 produced diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing good and poor sleepers.
Change from Baseline PSQI at 1 month

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Lourdes M Fernández Seguín, PhD, University of Seville

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

March 1, 2023

Primary Completion (Estimated)

March 1, 2025

Study Completion (Estimated)

March 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

February 8, 2023

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 1, 2023

First Posted (Actual)

March 2, 2023

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 25, 2025

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

February 23, 2025

Last Verified

May 1, 2024

More Information

Terms related to this study

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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