Biofeedback retraining of deep neck muscles to relieve chronic neck pain and jaw symptoms
Effects of Deep Neck Stabilizers Retraining With Pressure Biofeedback on Cervical Pain, Range of Motion and Temporomandibular Dysfunction in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain
This test will see if biofeedback-guided deep neck muscle retraining helps adults with chronic neck pain and mild-to-moderate TMJ problems more than conventional neck exercises.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lahore, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07266610 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with chronic neck pain and mild-to-moderate temporomandibular dysfunction are assigned to either biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining using pressure feedback or to conventional neck exercises at a rehabilitation center in Lahore. Training uses the craniocervical flexion test (CCFT) and a pressure biofeedback device to target deep neck stabilizers and improve motor control. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include cervical range of motion, pain intensity, and TMJ function. The trial compares whether targeted biofeedback produces greater improvements in mobility, pain, and jaw symptoms than standard exercise alone.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults with chronic neck pain lasting more than 3 months but less than 18 months and with mild-to-moderate TMJ dysfunction (Fonseca score 20–65) are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with traumatic neck injury, prior cervical surgery, cervical infection, cancer, or neurological disorders are excluded and are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, biofeedback retraining could reduce neck pain, increase neck mobility, and lessen jaw-related symptoms by improving deep neck muscle control and posture.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research supports that deep neck flexor training and pressure biofeedback can improve neck muscle control and pain, but evidence specifically targeting TMJ symptoms is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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
Where this trial is running
Lahore, Punjab Province
- Pakistan Society for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PSRD) — Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mahrukh Asif, DPT
- Email: mahrukhasif45@gmail.com
- Phone: +923357817810
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.