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.pdfDownload PDF
https://doi.org/10.31032/IJBPAS/2026/15.11.10612