Effects of Occlusal Imbalance and Clenching on Balance in Stroke Patients

Bitlis Eren University60 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Stroke

Interventions

Ipsilesional Side Stimulated Occlusal ImbalanceOTHER

In this group, a 1 cm thick cotton roll will be placed on the ipsilesional occlusal surfaces of the patients, and they will be instructed to hold it in place without clenching.

Contralesional Side Stimulated Occlusal ImbalanceOTHER

In this group, a 1 cm thick cotton roll will be placed on the contralesional occlusal surfaces of the patients, and they will be instructed to hold it in place without clenching.

Bilateral Cotton Roll with Jaw ClenchingOTHER

In this group, a 1 cm thick cotton roll will be placed on both occlusal surfaces, and the patients will then be instructed to clench their teeth.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 75 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

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

Locations (1)

Bolu İzzet Baysal Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi

Bolu, Merkez, Turkey (Türkiye)

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Overall Postural Stability Index Measurement

This index will be assessed by measuring deviations of the center of gravity in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions. Lower scores indicate smaller deviations and better postural stability. The test will be performed on a stable platform with two trials of 30 seconds each. The average of the two trials will be automatically calculated by the TechnoBody balance system.

Time frame: Change from baseline overall postural stability index immediately after the intervention

Fall Risk Assessment

Fall risk will be assessed by measuring the patient's ability to maintain balance on an unstable platform. Based on their ability to maintain balance, a fall risk score will be generated, with higher scores indicating a greater risk of falling. The test will be performed with two 30-second trials. The average of the two trials will be calculated automatically by the TechnoBody balance system.

Time frame: Change from baseline fall risk immediately after the intervention

Secondary Outcomes

Anteroposterior Stability Index Measurement

The anteroposterior stability index will be assessed by measuring deviations of the center of gravity in the anteroposterior direction. Lower scores indicate smaller deviations and better anteroposterior postural stability. The test will be performed on a stable platform with two trials of 30 seconds each. The average of the two trials will be automatically calculated by the TechnoBody balance system.

Time frame: Change from baseline anteroposterior stability index immediately after the intervention

Mediolateral Stability Index Measurement

The mediolateral stability index will be assessed by measuring deviations of the center of gravity in the mediolateral direction. Lower scores indicate smaller deviations and better mediolateral postural stability. The test will be performed on a stable platform with two trials of 30 seconds each. The average of the two trials will be automatically calculated by the TechnoBody balance system.

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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