Frequency, amplitude, and duration of awake bruxism episodes during the performance of standardized mental capacity tasks as a function of the level of mindfulness

• Grant number: 23/17847-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry - Dental Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Jardel Francisco Mazzi Chaves
• Grantee: Rafael Chadud Matoso Filho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia de Ribeirão Preto (FORP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Bruxism is currently defined as a repetitive activity of the chewing muscles. Mindfulness, also known as mindfulness, is an intentional, non-judgmental state of consciousness in which a person directs their attention to the present moment. Based on both definitions presented above, the objective of the present study will be to evaluate the frequency, amplitude, and duration of episodes of awake bruxism in young adult individuals exposed to the performance of standardized mental capacity tasks using surface electromyography, as well as evaluate such variables depending on the individual level of mindfulness. 146 young individuals between 18 and 40 years old will be analyzed, with a probable diagnosis of awake bruxism (based on self-report and clinical assessment). Questionnaires inspired by Axes A and B of the Standardized Tool for the Assessment of Bruxism (STAB) will be applied, in addition to electromyographic analysis in tests of rest; maximum voluntary dental clenching, while performing standardized mental capacity tasks (answering questionnaires, performing mathematical calculations and playing electronic games - Genius). The MASS Scale (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale) will also be applied to measure mindfulness levels. A mixed regression model will be adopted to investigate the association between the independent variables (STAB questionnaires) and the results of counting events during the complete EMG session and in each of the three tasks), the single duration (Dur - mean of the duration of isolated contraction episodes) and the cumulative duration (CDur - sum of the duration of all contraction episodes) throughout the experimental phase, using logarithmically transformed data, compared to mindfulness levels.