Effects of Neck Stabilizers Retraining on Chronic Neck Pain

NCT ID: NCT07266610

Last Updated: 2025-12-22

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

RECRUITING

Clinical Phase

NA

Total Enrollment

70 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2025-11-28

Study Completion Date

2026-05-28

Brief Summary

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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.

Detailed Description

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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.

Conditions

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Neck Pain Musculoskeletal Chronic Neck Pain

Keywords

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Chronic neck pain Deep neck stabilizers Pressure biofeedback Temporomandibular dysfunction

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

2 groups Experimental group (Group 1): deep neck stabilizers training through pressure biofeedback, along with a traditional exercise program

Control group (Group 2): traditional exercise program
Primary Study Purpose

TREATMENT

Blinding Strategy

DOUBLE

Participants Outcome Assessors

Study Groups

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Group 1 (Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining )

Each session includes TENS and hot pack therapy, crook lying exercises with a 20 mmHg pressure biofeedback sensor, the Cranio-Cervical Flexion Test, and neck and shoulder stretches. Data will be collected at the initial point, after 3 weeks, and once more at the 6-week point.

Group Type EXPERIMENTAL

Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining

Intervention Type OTHER

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

Group 2 (Conventional exercises)

Each session begins with TENS and hot pack therapy, followed by stretching and strengthening exercises for neck and shoulder muscles. Data will be collected at the initial point, after 3 weeks, and once more at the 6-week point.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Conventional exercises

Intervention Type OTHER

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

Interventions

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Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining

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

Intervention Type OTHER

Conventional exercises

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

Intervention Type OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

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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
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Maximum Eligible Age

30 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Sponsors

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Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Umber Nawaz

Assistant Professor

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

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Pakistan Society for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PSRD)

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Site Status RECRUITING

Countries

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Pakistan

Central Contacts

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Mahrukh Asif, DPT

Role: CONTACT

Phone: +923357817810

Email: [email protected]

Umber Nawaz, MSPT, PhD*

Role: CONTACT

Phone: +923334888279

Email: [email protected]

References

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Sikka I, Chawla C, Seth S, Alghadir AH, Khan M. Effects of Deep Cervical Flexor Training on Forward Head Posture, Neck Pain, and Functional Status in Adolescents Using Computer Regularly. Biomed Res Int. 2020 Oct 5;2020:8327565. doi: 10.1155/2020/8327565. eCollection 2020.

Reference Type BACKGROUND
PMID: 33083487 (View on PubMed)

Alagingi NK. Chronic neck pain and postural rehabilitation: A literature review. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2022 Oct;32:201-206. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.04.017. Epub 2022 Apr 20.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 36180150 (View on PubMed)

Aguiar ADS, Nogueira Carrer HC, de Lira MR, Martins Silva GZ, Chaves TC. Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements in Temporomandibular Disorders and Headaches: Summary of Measurement Properties and Applicability. J Clin Med. 2021 Aug 26;10(17):3823. doi: 10.3390/jcm10173823.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 34501273 (View on PubMed)

Craciun MD, Geman O, Leuciuc FV, Holubiac IS, Gheorghita D, Filip F. Effectiveness of Physiotherapy in the Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction and the Relationship with Cervical Spine. Biomedicines. 2022 Nov 17;10(11):2962. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10112962.

Reference Type RESULT
PMID: 36428529 (View on PubMed)

Other Identifiers

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U1111-1331-6077

Identifier Type: REGISTRY

Identifier Source: secondary_id

UBAS/ERB/FoRS/25/024

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id