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NCT Number: NCT07266610

Effects of Neck Stabilizers Retraining on Chronic Neck Pain

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of deep neck stabilizers retraining with pressure biofeedback on cervical range of motion, pain, and temporomandibular dysfunction in patients with chronic neck pain.

Participants will receive biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining in one group, while the other group will perform conventional exercises. The neurological connection between the TMJ and neck means that therapies such as neck flexion exercises and biofeedback can alleviate neck pain and jaw issues.

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Key information

Conditions

Neck Pain Musculoskeletal Chronic Neck Pain Craniomandibular Disorders Jaw Diseases Joint Diseases Mandibular Diseases Muscular Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Stomatognathic Diseases Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

Age range

18 year–30 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Pakistan Society for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PSRD)

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

Chronic neck pain is increasingly affecting young adults in Pakistan. This rise is linked to poor posture, being overweight, aging, and various other factors. Weakness in deep neck muscles can affect neck stability. The craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) is useful for evaluating and engaging these muscles. The jaw joint (Temporomandibular joint) and the neck are closely connected through shared nerves. Therefore, problems in the neck can lead to jaw issues (pain and difficulty moving the jaw). Using biofeedback to train deep neck muscles helps improve muscle control, posture, and reduces stress on surface and jaw muscles, easing TMJ symptoms. However, many studies on deep neck stabilizer (DNS) exercises don't focus on jaw problems. This study utilizes pressure biofeedback to relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce jaw tension by promoting better neck posture.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosis: Chronic neck pain (duration more than 3 months and less than 1 year and 6 months)
  • TMJ Dysfunction (RCD TMJ Axis I Confirmation on Helkino Index) Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI) 20-65 score mild to moderate

Exclusion criteria

  • Traumatic neck injury
  • Neurological disorders
  • Cervical spine infection or surgery
  • Cancer

Treatment and study plan

Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining

Other

The experimental group will receive deep neck stabilizer training with pressure biofeedback and traditional exercises for six weeks, three times weekly.

conventional exercises

Other

The control group will engage in a traditional exercise program for 6 weeks, meeting three times weekly

Primary outcomes

  1. Temporomandibular dysfunction

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Mandibular Functional Impairment Questionnaire

  2. Pain Intensity

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Numeric Pain Rating Scale will be used

  3. Cervical Range of Motion

    Time frame: 6 weeks

    Inclinometer

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Deep Neck Stabilizers Retraining With Pressure Biofeedback on Cervical Pain, Range of Motion and Temporomandibular Dysfunction in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain

Acronym: PBU

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 5, 2025
Registry last updated
May 18, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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