Cervical core exercises for treating jaw joint dysfunction

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Cervical Core Exercises in Persons With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

Not applicable Interventional Istanbul Gelisim University · NCT06222736

This study is testing if specific neck exercises can help people with jaw joint pain related to muscle issues feel better over eight weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorIstanbul Gelisim University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Avcılar)
Trial IDNCT06222736 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of cervical core exercises in patients suffering from Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) related to Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups, each receiving different exercise interventions over 8 weeks, with sessions lasting 30-45 minutes, twice a week. The study aims to assess the short-term effects of these exercises on TMJD symptoms through evaluations conducted at the beginning and end of the treatment period. The approach includes a combination of Rocabado exercises and cervical core exercises, with online follow-up for home practice.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are females aged 18 and over diagnosed with TMJD due to Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of acute trauma to the jaw, neurological diseases affecting the jaw, or previous surgical interventions on the jaw may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option for patients with TMJD, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on the specific combination of cervical core exercises and TMJD, similar approaches have shown promise in managing myofascial pain conditions.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being diagnosed with Temporomandibular Disorder caused by Myofascial Pain Syndrome
* Female gender aged 18 and over
* Volunteering to participate in the study
* Not having communication difficulties such as speaking and understanding Turkish or not being able to understand the exercises.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having a history of acute trauma in and around the Temporomandibular Joint
* Having Temporomandibular Joint dysfunction due to neurological disease
* Having a history of surgical/invasive procedures or treatments on the Temporomandibular Joint
* Presence of infection or tumoral structure within intraoral structures
* Having a history of tooth loss or prosthetic tooth use
* Having a history of surgical procedure in the cervical area

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Avcılar

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Temporomandibular Joint DisordersTemporomandibular Jointservical core exercisemyofasial pain
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.