Preliminary effects of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation-based jaw exercises compared with conventional jaw exercises in post-stroke patients with awake bruxism behaviors: A randomized pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To compare PNF-based and conventional jaw exercises, alongside ultrasound, in post-stroke participants with awake bruxism behaviors. DESIGN: Prospective, parallel-group, randomized pilot-controlled trial. SETTING: Single-centre, secondary-level neurological physiotherapy care. PARTICIPANTS: = 5 each). INTERVENTIONS: Group A received PNF with ultrasound, while Group B received conventional jaw exercises with ultrasound, four sessions weekly for 4 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Jaw opening ROM was measured using a vernier caliper, and masticatory muscle activity was assessed using surface EMG. CONCLUSIONS: PNF-based jaw exercises with ultrasound may improve jaw opening and mobility in post-stroke participants with awake bruxism behaviors.