Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 60 Women only

Comparing aerobic exercise to localized pain relief exercises for jaw and neck pain

Official title: How is Aerobic Exercise Compared to Localized Pain Relief Exercises in Patients With Jaw Pain and Neck Pain? Pilot Study

Run by Hochschule Osnabruck · NCT05232604 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study tests whether aerobic exercise or targeted pain relief exercises can help people aged 18-60 with chronic neck pain and jaw issues feel better and move more easily.

More Neck Pain trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment42 (estimated)
SponsorHochschule Osnabruck
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Osnabrück, Lower Saxony)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 7, 2021
Main results expectedJuly 31, 2026
Study endsJuly 31, 2026
Registry record updatedMay 13, 2025
Trial IDNCT05232604 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-60 with chronic neck pain or temporomandibular disorders lasting at least three months.

Probably not a fit

Patients with serious underlying pathologies, functional chronic pain disorders, or psychiatric conditions may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of aerobic exercise versus localized pain relief exercises in patients suffering from chronic neck pain and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). It aims to understand how these different exercise approaches can alleviate pain and improve function in individuals with these musculoskeletal conditions. Participants will be assessed for their pain levels and overall health status before and after the interventions. The study focuses on individuals aged 18-60 who have been experiencing chronic pain for at least three months.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new insights into effective exercise therapies for managing chronic neck and jaw pain.

How similar studies have gone: While there is existing evidence supporting exercise therapy for musculoskeletal pain, this specific comparison of aerobic versus localized exercises in TMD and neck pain is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Be between 18-60 years of age
* Be diagnosed with idiopathic chronic neck pain as described the IASP and/or presence of temporomandibular disorders identified by DC/TMD screening
* Have pain in the neck or jaw area for at least 3 months (chronic pain)
* Have pain not attributable to recent acute trauma, previous infection, or to an active inflammatory cause in the last month
* Have a moderate or severe baseline pain score of 30mm or greater using a 100mm VAS

Exclusion Criteria:

* Present red flags for serious pathologies related to neck pain or jaw pain
* Report comorbidity functional chronic pain disorders (e.g., fibromyalgia)
* Have been diagnosed with psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, schizophrenia)
* Have received therapy within 3 months prior to entry into the study

Where it's running

  • Hochschule Osnabrück - University of Applied Sciences
    Osnabrück, Lower Saxony, Germany
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.