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NCT Number: NCT07612397

Effects of Jaw Clenching on Gait and Mobility in Stroke

The aim of this study is to investigate the immediate effects of jaw clenching on gait and functional mobility in patients with chronic stroke.

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Key information

Conditions

Stroke Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Nervous System Diseases Vascular Diseases

Age range

18 year–75 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Bolu İzzet Baysal Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi

Bolu, Merkez, 14280, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location contact

Ahmet Mavuş, M.Sc.

CONTACT

[email protected]

5388178351 ext. +90

About this study

This randomized sham-controlled crossover study aims to investigate the immediate effects of jaw clenching on gait and functional mobility in patients with chronic stroke. A minimum of 30 eligible patients will be included. Each participant will complete both the intervention and sham conditions in a randomized sequence.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Stroke occurred at least 6 months prior to enrollment.
  • No cognitive or communication impairments that would interfere with participation.
  • Ability to stand independently for 20 seconds or more.
  • Ability to walk 10 meters independently, with or without walking aids or orthoses as needed.
  • Age between 18 and 75 years.
  • Lower extremity Brunnstrom stage of 4 or higher.

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of severe osteoarthritis in the lower extremities.
  • Diagnosis of cancer or diabetic neuropathy.
  • Presence of vestibular disorders.
  • Lower extremity ulceration or amputation.
  • History of vertigo.
  • Alcohol consumption within the past 24 hours.
  • Hemodynamic instability.
  • Stroke affecting the basilar artery or cerebellum (posterior circulation stroke).
  • Presence of neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's disease.
  • Acute lower extremity injury within the past 6 weeks.
  • History of lower extremity surgery.

Treatment and study plan

Voluntary Jaw Clenching

Other

In this group, 1-cm-thick cotton rolls will be placed bilaterally on the occlusal surfaces, and patients will be instructed to perform maximal voluntary tooth clenching.

Sham Cotton Roll Placement Without Clenching

Other

In this group, 1-cm-thick cotton rolls will be placed bilaterally on the occlusal surfaces without any clenching instruction, and participants will be instructed to keep their jaw relaxed.

Primary outcomes

  1. Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention for both experimental and sham conditions

    Functional mobility will be assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test. Participants will be timed while rising from a chair, walking 3 meters, turning, walking back, and sitting down. Lower scores indicate better functional mobility.

  2. 10-Meter Walk Test (10MWT)

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately post-intervention for both experimental and sham conditions

    Gait speed will be assessed using the 10-Meter Walk Test. Participants will be instructed to walk a 10-meter distance at a comfortable walking speed, and time will be recorded to calculate walking velocity.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Merve Tunçdemir, Asst. Prof.

CONTACT

[email protected]

5069452008 ext. +90

Ömer Dursun, Assoc. Prof.

CONTACT

[email protected]

5426088687 ext. +90

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bitlis Eren University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Immediate Effects of Jaw Clenching on Gait and Functional Mobility in Patients With Chronic Stroke

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
May 28, 2026
Registry last updated
May 28, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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