COMPARISON OF ROCABADO’S 6×6 EXERCISE PROGRAM AND A MULTICOMPONENT JAW EXERCISE PROGRAM ON PAIN, RANGE OF MOTION, AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ORAL SUBMUCOUS FIBROSIS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Bhatia DS , THAKKAR S* AND PATEL GJ

ABSTRACT
Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic disease characterized by oral fibrosis as well as reduced opening of the mouth, pain and limited mobility of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which can impair regular functioning in daily life. Rocabado’s 6×6 and multicomponent training programs may increase opening or decrease discomfort, although limited data are available in OSMF. Aim & Objectives: This study aims to compare the effect of Rocabado’s 6×6 exercise program and a multicomponent jaw exercise program on pain, jaw range of motion (ROM) and quality of life among OSMF participants emphasizing pain-relieving, ROM improvement and quality-of-life-promoting duties. Methodology: In this comparative study, the individuals with OSMF were randomly divided into Group—A (Rocabado’s 6×6 program along with TMJ mobilization) and group—B (multicomponent jaw exercise program) for six weeks. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline and following the intervention using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), jaw ROM, and OHIP-14Results: Both treatments resulted in significant increases in pain, jaw ROM and quality of life disability (p < 0.05). Pain reductions and functional gains in group A were marginally greater, but quality of life improvements was equivalent. Conclusion: Both Rocabado’s 6×6 and multicomponent jaw exercise programs effectively enhance jaw mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life in OSMF patients, with Rocabado’s approach offering more improvement in pain and functional outcomes. Keywords: Rocabado’s Exercise Program, Multicomponent Jaw Exercise, Oral Submucous Fibrosis, TMJ mobilization, OHIP-14
Publication date: 01/11/2026
    https://www.ijbpas.com/pdf/2026/November/MS_IJBPAS_2026_10612.pdf
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https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.11.10612