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Journals / Turkish Journal of Kinesiology / 2026 / Volume: 12 Issue: 2

Evaluation of the effectiveness of orofacial exercises in systemic sclerosis

Fatma Erdeo(Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Türkiye)0000-0002-0266-229X
Betül Ergün(Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Türkiye)
Neslihan Altuntaş Yılmaz(Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Türkiye)0000-0003-0116-9089
Adem Küçük(Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Meram Medical Faculty, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Türkiye)0000-0001-8028-1671
Pages
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Publication Date
2026-05-01
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

These results strongly support the incorporation of orofacial rehabilitation into clinical management of individuals with systemic sclerosis.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

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Objective & Hypothesis:This study investigated the effects of a structured facial exercise program on tongue protrusion (Tprot/tongue length), mouth opening, facial stiffness, and quality of life (SF-36) in individuals with systemic sclerosis (SS), compared to a control group given only home exercises.
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Key Findings & Data:A total of 32 individuals with SS were included in the study (EG n=16, CG n=16).
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Conclusion & Impact:These results strongly support the incorporation of orofacial rehabilitation into clinical management of individuals with systemic sclerosis.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:Exercises · fascial stiffness · mouth opening

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of a structured facial exercise program on tongue protrusion (Tprot/tongue length), mouth opening, facial stiffness, and quality of life (SF-36) in individuals with systemic sclerosis (SS), compared to a control group given only home exercises. A total of 32 individuals with SS were included in the study (EG n=16, CG n=16). The exercise group received an exercise program targeting the face/orofacial region, while the control group received a home exercise program. Assessments were performed at baseline (T) and post-treatment (PT). For post-test group comparisons, baseline values were subjected to covariate testing using ANCOVA (p<0.05). Significant differences were observed in the PT exercise group values compared to the control group (p<.05). According to ANCOVA results, when baseline values were controlled, the group effect for Tprot2 was significant (F(1,29)=83.67, p<0.001, ηp²=0.743) and the adjusted mean was 31.34±0.61 for EG and 23.47±0.61 for CG. The supervised facial/orofacial exercise program produced significant improvements in tongue protrusion (Tprot), mouth opening, and facial stiffness, leading to superior outcomes in most SF-36 quality-of-life subscales compared to home exercises. These results strongly support the incorporation of orofacial rehabilitation into clinical management of individuals with systemic sclerosis.

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Cite This Article

Erdeo, F., Ergün, B., Yılmaz, N. A., Küçük, A. (2026). Evaluation of the effectiveness of orofacial exercises in systemic sclerosis. Turkish Journal of Kinesiology, Volume: 12 Issue: 2. https://doi.org/10.31459/turkjkin.1848013

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