Mandibular stretching exercises and breathing techniques may influence autonomic nervous system activity, muscle tone, and psychological state. This randomized controlled trial aims to investigate the effects of mandibular stretching exercise and the 4-4-8 breathing exercise on autonomic nervous system activity, muscle tone, and psychological parameters in healthy university students. Participants will be randomly assigned to intervention groups and evaluated before and after the intervention period.
The autonomic nervous system plays an important role in regulating physiological and psychological responses. Breathing techniques and mandibular stretching exercises are non-invasive approaches that may influence autonomic nervous system activity and muscle tone through neuromuscular and respiratory mechanisms. However, the combined or individual effects of these interventions on autonomic regulation and psychological outcomes remain insufficiently investigated. This randomized controlled trial aims to examine the effects of mandibular stretching exercise and the 4-4-8 breathing exercise on autonomic nervous system activity, muscle tone, and psychological state in healthy university students. Participants will be randomly allocated to intervention groups according to the study protocol. Baseline and post-intervention measurements will be collected to evaluate changes in autonomic nervous system parameters, muscle tone, and psychological status. The findings of this study may contribute to understanding the potential benefits of simple non-pharmacological interventions such as mandibular stretching and breathing exercises in improving physiological regulation and psychological well-being.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
52
Participants perform mandibular stretching exercises according to the study protocol
Participants perform the 4-4-8 breathing exercise according to the study protocol.
Necmettin Erbakan University
Konya, Konya, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGAutonomic Nervous System Activity
Autonomic nervous system activity will be assessed by measuring heart rate (beats per minute) using a digital pulse oximeter and blood pressure (mmHg) using an automatic blood pressure monitor. Measurements will be recorded at baseline and repeatedly after the intervention period (20, 40, 80, and 120 minutes).
Time frame: Baseline and 20, 40, 80, and 120 minutes after the intervention
Muscle Tone
Muscle activity of the temporalis and masseter muscles will be assessed using surface electromyography (EMG). EMG amplitude (microvolts, µV) will be recorded at baseline and repeatedly after the intervention period (20, 40, 80, and 120 minutes).
Time frame: Baseline and 20, 40, 80, and 120 minutes after the intervention
Psychological State
Psychological state will be assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire. STAI scores (range 20-80 points) will be recorded at baseline and repeatedly after the intervention period (20, 40, 80, and 120 minutes).
Time frame: Baseline and 20, 40, 80, and 120 minutes after the intervention
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