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

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

Not applicable Interventional Hochschule Osnabruck · NCT05232604

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.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment42 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexFemale
SponsorHochschule Osnabruck Academic / other
Locations1 site (Osnabrück, Lower Saxony)
Trial IDNCT05232604 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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

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

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Osnabrück, Lower Saxony

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 DisorderNeck PainTemporomandibular disorderNeck painExercise therapyMotor control exercise
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.