Effects of Occlusal Imbalance and Clenching on Balance in Stroke Patients

Effects of Stimulated Occlusal Imbalance and Jaw Clenching on Balance and Fall Risk in Stroke Patients

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of stimulated occlusal imbalance and jaw clenching on balance and fall risk in patients with stroke.

This randomized controlled study will be conducted on a minimum of 42 stroke patients who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients included in the study will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the ipsilateral side stimulated occlusal imbalance group, the contralateral side stimulated occlusal imbalance group, or the bilateral jaw clenching group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having chronic stroke,
• A Mini-Mental State Examination score of 24 or higher,
• Being between 18 and 75 years of age,
• Having a Brunnstrom stage of 4 or above,
• Ability to stand independently for 20 seconds or more,
• Ability to walk independently for 10 meters, using assistive devices or orthoses if necessary,
• Having opposing mandibular and maxillary second premolars or first molars

Exclusion Criteria:

• The presence of severe osteoarthritis in the lower extremity,
• The presence of cancer or diabetic neuropathy,
• The presence of vestibular disorder,
• The presence of lower extremity ulceration or amputation,
• Hemodynamic instability,
• The presence of other neurological disorders (such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease),
• Having experienced an acute lower extremity injury in the last six weeks,
• History of lower extremity surgery,
• Alcohol consumption in the last 24 hours
• Posterior circulation stroke involving the basilar artery or cerebellum