Effects of Cervical and Sacroiliac Mobilization Combined With Pilates on Bruxism

The Effects of Cervical and Sacroiliac Mobilization Followed by Pilates-Based Training on Bruxism Severity, Perceived Stress, Pain Catastrophizing, Functional Capacity, and Proprioception in Individuals With Bruxism

This study investigated the effects of adding cervical and sacroiliac mobilization to a Pilates-based exercise program on pain, perceived stress, pain catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, jaw functional limitation, cervical range of motion, cervical joint position error, and sacroiliac joint screening findings in individuals with bruxism. Thirty-eight participants were randomly allocated to a Pilates-only group (n=19) or a Manual Therapy + Pilates group (n=19). Both groups completed an 8-week, twice-weekly Pilates protocol (16 sessions); the Manual Therapy + Pilates group additionally received cervical and sacroiliac mobilization.

Bruxism is a repetitive jaw-muscle activity associated with musculoskeletal and psychosocial dysfunction, including cervical spine impairment and altered proprioception. This randomized study examined whether adding cervical and sacroiliac mobilization to a standardized Pilates-based exercise program produces greater improvements than Pilates alone. Outcomes included pain intensity (VAS), perceived stress (PSS-10), pain catastrophizing (PCS), kinesiophobia (TSK-17), jaw functional limitation (JFLS-8), cervical range of motion (goniometry), cervical joint position error, and sacroiliac joint screening (Standing Forward Flexion Test, Gillet Test), assessed before and after the 8-week intervention.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between 18 and 65 years of age
• Being diagnosed with bruxism (awake bruxism and/or sleep bruxism) based on clinical presentation and self-reported symptoms
• Reporting symptoms such as jaw clenching, teeth grinding, masticatory muscle fatigue, or orofacial discomfort
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and providing written informed consent
• Having sufficient cognitive ability to understand and follow instructions
• Being physically capable of participating in a structured exercise program
• Not receiving any ongoing physiotherapy or rehabilitation program targeting the craniofacial, cervical, or lumbopelvic regions during the study period

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of surgical intervention involving the temporomandibular joint, cervical spine, or craniofacial region Presence of neurological, rheumatological, or systemic diseases that could affect movement, pain perception, or neuromuscular control Diagnosis of severe temporomandibular joint disorders that significantly limit jaw function or require specialized medical treatment Presence of acute musculoskeletal injury affecting the cervical spine, lumbar region, or lower extremities Current use of medications affecting neuromuscular function, such as muscle relaxants, sedatives, or psychotropic drugs Diagnosed psychiatric conditions that could interfere with participation or compliance with the study protocol Participation in any physiotherapy, rehabilitation, or structured exercise program targeting the craniofacial, cervical, or lumbopelvic regions during the study period Pregnancy, due to potential alterations in musculoskeletal and hormonal status Inability to attend regular sessions or complete the intervention protocol