The effects of cervical stabilisation exercises on craniomandibular neuromuscular function and muscle activity in young women with sleep bruxism.

PURPOSE: Sleep Bruxism (SB) is recognised as repetitive masticatory muscle activity rather than a disorder, yet its musculoskeletal consequences remain clinically relevant. Cervical stabilisation exercises (CSE) may influence masticatory neuromuscular regulation through trigeminocervical convergence. This study investigated the effects of a six-week CSE programme on masticatory and cervical area in individuals with SB.

METHODS

Twenty-eight female participants (aged 18-30) were randomised to experimental or control groups, with assessments at baseline, post-intervention and at six-week follow-up. Surface electromyography recorded resting and working activity of the masseter, temporalis and trapezius muscles. Tongue pressure, maximum mouth opening, tongue range of motion ratio, head posture and sleep quality were secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Significant reductions in masticatory and cervical resting muscle activity were observed, alongside improvements in tongue performance and head posture. Sleep quality remained unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest CSE may contribute to the neuromuscular regulation of the stomatognathic system as a complementary musculoskeletal approach in SB management.