Neck PainNCT05887349
Investigation of the Efficacy of Rocabado Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain
A study testing Neck Stabilization Exercise and Neck Stabilization Exercise + Rocabado Exercises in people with Neck Pain, run by Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
Nerve compression, disc herniation, and fracture-related factors may play a role in the etiology of chronic neck pain, or the pain may not be associated with a specific cause. In the cervical region, muscles, fascia, disc, nerve root and facet joints are the structures that carry pain. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Any ageHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Neck Stabilization Exercise and Neck Stabilization Exercise + Rocabado Exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 62 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2023to 20 Oct 2023
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages Any age
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Being between the ages of 18-65
- Having neck pain for 3 months,
- Being sedentary
- Not participating in any physical therapy program in the last 6 months.
Who cannot join
- Being history of previous spinal surgery or trauma,
- Beingneurological deficit, vestibular pathology, neurological, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal problems affecting physical performance
- Being any pathology in the shoulder joint, any pathology in the jaw joint, and pregnancy were determined.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Nerve compression, disc herniation, and fracture-related factors may play a role in the etiology of chronic neck pain, or the pain may not be associated with a specific cause. In the cervical region, muscles, fascia, disc, nerve root and facet joints are the structures that carry pain. Problems related to these structures can also cause pain in the cervical region and shoulder, arm, interscapular region and craniocervical structures. The stomatognathic system is the integrity of the structures that perform the functions of chewing, swallowing and speaking. This system in the head and neck region; It consists of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, teeth, supporting dental tissues, glands, tongue, mouth and surrounding tissues, and neuromuscular system. The relationship between the stomatognathic and craniocervical systems is demonstrated by the interaction between masticatory and cervical muscles. Wiesinger et al. examined the relationship between spinal pain and temporamandibular joint disorders in a large sample and stated that both conditions may share common risk factors or affect each other. The coexistence of cervical spine and temporomandibular joint pathologies (TMJ) is explained by the neuroanatomical convergence of nociceptive neurons receiving trigeminal and neck sensory inputs. Studies have shown that neck disability may be accompanied by jaw joint disability, masseter myofascial pain, and regional muscle tenderness. Olivio et al. He reported that the treatment of individuals with TMJ pathology should also focus on the neck region, because improvement of one may affect the other. Based on this idea, Calixtre et al. reported that they achieved positive improvements in pain and jaw functions in their study investigating the effects of cervical region mobilization and exercises on individuals with TMJ.
Read the detailed description
Nerve compression, disc herniation, and fracture-related factors may play a role in the etiology of chronic neck pain, or the pain may not be associated with a specific cause. In the cervical region, muscles, fascia, disc, nerve root and facet joints are the structures that carry pain. Problems related to these structures can also cause pain in the cervical region and shoulder, arm, interscapular region and craniocervical structures. The stomatognathic system is the integrity of the structures that perform the functions of chewing, swallowing and speaking. This system in the head and neck region; It consists of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, teeth, supporting dental tissues, glands, tongue, mouth and surrounding tissues, and neuromuscular system. The relationship between the stomatognathic and craniocervical systems is demonstrated by the interaction between masticatory and cervical muscles. Wiesinger et al. examined the relationship between spinal pain and temporamandibular joint disorders in a large sample and stated that both conditions may share common risk factors or affect each other. The coexistence of cervical spine and temporomandibular joint pathologies (TMJ) is explained by the neuroanatomical convergence of nociceptive neurons receiving trigeminal and neck sensory inputs. Studies have shown that neck disability may be accompanied by jaw joint disability, masseter myofascial pain, and regional muscle tenderness. Olivio et al. He reported that the treatment of individuals with TMJ pathology should also focus on the neck region, because improvement of one may affect the other. Based on this idea, Calixtre et al. reported that they achieved positive improvements in pain and jaw functions in their study investigating the effects of cervical region mobilization and exercises on individuals with TMJ.
In the treatment of chronic neck pain, it has been shown that craniocervical flexion exercise, cervical stabilization and endurance exercises, aerobic exercises, proprioceptive exercises and patient education, especially strengthening exercises for deep and superficial flexor muscles, reduce pain and improve quality of life by increasing muscle strength and functions. In the literature, the number of studies investigating the effectiveness of an exercise program for the jaw joint in individuals with chronic neck pain is quite limited. In this context, our aim is to investigate the effects of Rocabado exercises, one of the jaw joint exercises, on pain, pain threshold/tolerance, range of motion, proprioception, disability, quality of life, muscle strength, muscle endurance, sleep quality and posture in individuals with chronic neck pain.
- Conditions
- Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Neck Stabilization Exercise, Neck Stabilization Exercise + Rocabado Exercises
- Keywords
- chronic neck pain
- Medical subject headings
- Neck Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Neck Stabilization ExerciseOther
- Control Group exercise program (Cervical Stabilization exercises group)
The patients in the control group will be given cervical stabilization exercises consisting of 3 levels and increasing difficulty. The exercises will be taught to the patients level by level by the physiotherapist for 6 weeks. The subjects will perform the exercises for a total of 6 weeks. Before each exercise session, stretching exercises will be performed on the subjects.
Neck Stabilization Exercise + Rocabado ExercisesOther
- Intervention group exercise program (the group to which Robacado exercises will be added in addition to cervical stabilization exercises) The exercises to be applied to the control group for 6 weeks will be given to the intervention group in the same order and at weekly intervals. In addition, individuals in this group will be given Robacado exercises.
Robacado exercises:
- Resting position for the tongue: The tip of the tongue is placed on the upper palate, just behind the front teeth (resting position for the tongue).
- When the body is in an upright position, scapular retraction and depression movements are performed without disturbing the position of the cervical region.
- When the body is in an upright position, at C2-C7 levels, hands are clamped on the neck and cranio-cervical flexion is studied.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Control Group | Other | The patients in the control group will be given cervical stabilization exercises consisting of 3 levels and increasing difficulty. The exercises will be taught to the patients level by level by the physiotherapist for 6 weeks. The subjects will perform the exercises for a total of 6 weeks. Before each exercise session, stretching exercises will be performed on the subjects. Receives: Other: Neck Stabilization Exercise |
| Intervention group | Experimental | The exercises to be applied to the control group for 6 weeks will be given to the intervention group in the same order and at weekly intervals. Additionally, Robacado exercises (jaw exercises) will be given to the individuals in this group. Receives: Other: Neck Stabilization Exercise + Rocabado Exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Disability level
Neck disability caused by neck pain was evaluated with the Neck Disability Index (NDI), which has been validated and reliable in Turkish. NDI was developed to evaluate the impact of neck pain on daily life activities (pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, concentration, work, driving, sleep and leisure activities) and consists of 10 sections. Each section is scored between 0 and 5 points. The total score obtained is between 0-50. Scores between 0-4 indicate no disability, scores between 5-14 indicate mild disability, scores between 15-24 indicate moderate disability, scores between 25-34 indicate severe disability, and scores above 35 indicate full disability.
Measured: 6 week
Secondary outcomes (6)
Joint Range of Motion assessment
Cervical region flexion, extension, right-left rotation and right-left lateral flexion range of motion of individuals will be evaluated with clinical goniometer.
Measured: 6 week
Pain assessment
Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used for the presence and severity of neck pain in the individuals included in the study. Each participant will be asked about the presence and severity of pain at the beginning and end of the study and recorded. For VAS, individuals are asked to indicate the degree of pain they have on the VAS scale, numbered from 0 to 10 on a straight line, with "0" being no pain and "10" being the most severe pain and recorded.
Measured: 6 week
Proprioception assessment
The Cervical Joint Position Error Test (CJPET) is used to evaluate cervical region proprioception. CJPET assesses cervical proprioception in four positions (flexion, extension, left rotation, and right rotation). It is based on the principle of finding a point while the eyes are closed. 10 repetitions for each position were done. The first four measurements are trials and the average of the last six measurements gives us the joint position error
Measured: 6 week
Balance
Participants' static and dynamic balance was assessed using the Biodex balance system (Biodex, Inc., Shirley, New York). The device consists of a mobile balance platform that provides quantitative measurements of postural control in the sagittal and frontal planes in a 360° arc of motion up to 20° surface inclination. The device evaluates anterior-posterior stability index (A-P), medial-lateral stability index (M-L), and overall stability index (overall variance in both planes).
Measured: 6 week
Muscle endurance
The endurance of the cervical region flexor muscles was evaluated in the supine position, with the hands next to the body and in the hook position. Participants were asked to gently bring their chin closer to the chest area. The time it remained in this position was recorded in seconds. The evaluator placed his hand under the occiput to determine whether the position was maintained. The endurance of the cervical region extensor muscles was evaluated while the participant was in the prone position. The participant's head was positioned so that it hung over the bed and a 2 kg weight bag was tied to its head. The time he maintained this position was recorded in seconds.
Measured: 6 week
Pain threshold and tolerance
Participants' pain threshold and tolerance to pressure were evaluated using a digital algometer device (JTech Medical Industries, ZEVEX Company). It is stated that the reliability of this digital algometer is high. In the evaluation of pain threshold and tolerance, the midpoint of the upper part of the trapezius muscle between the 7th cervical vertebra and the acromion was taken as a reference. Evaluations were made with a 1 cm2 disc head apparatus connected to the algometer device that gives results in kg/cm2.
Measured: 6 week
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Jun 2023
- Study start1 Jul 2023
- Primary completion9 Oct 2023
- Study completion20 Oct 2023
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Neck PainStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Kirsehir Ahi Evran UniversitesiThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- randomized controlled trials
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mehmet CANLI, Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05887349
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 43834581758
- Status last verified
- Oct 2023
- First submitted
- 23 May 2023
- Last updated
- 24 Dec 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Canli M, Ozudogru A, Alkan H, Cigdem-Karacay B. Effectiveness of Jaw Exercises Applied in Addition to Cervical Stabilization Exercises in Individuals with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pain Res. 2026 Feb 18;19:584088. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S584088. eCollection 2026.
PubMed 41737306
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 24 Dec 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Investigation of the Efficacy of Rocabado Exercises in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05887349
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 43834581758
- Conditions
- Neck Pain
- Keywords
- chronic neck pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 62 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Kirsehir Ahi Evran UniversitesiUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2023 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 9 Oct 2023 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Oct 2023 (actual)
- First posted
- 2 Jun 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Nerve compression, disc herniation, and fracture-related factors may play a role in the etiology of chronic neck pain, or the pain may not be associated with a specific cause. In the cervical region, muscles, fascia, disc, nerve root and facet joints are the structures that carry pain. Problems related to these structures can also cause pain in the cervical region and shoulder, arm, interscapular region and craniocervical structures. The stomatognathic system is the integrity of the structures that perform the functions of chewing, swallowing and speaking. This system in the head and neck region; It consists of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, teeth, supporting dental tissues, glands, tongue, mouth and surrounding tissues, and neuromuscular system. The relationship between the stomatognathic and craniocervical systems is demonstrated by the interaction between masticatory and cervical muscles. Wiesinger et al. examined the relationship between spinal pain and temporamandibular joint disorders in a large sample and stated that both conditions may share common risk factors or affect each other. The coexistence of cervical spine and temporomandibular joint pathologies (TMJ) is explained by the neuroanatomical convergence of nociceptive neurons receiving trigeminal and neck sensory inputs. Studies have shown that neck disability may be accompanied by jaw joint disability, masseter myofascial pain, and regional muscle tenderness. Olivio et al. He reported that the treatment of individuals with TMJ pathology should also focus on the neck region, because improvement of one may affect the other. Based on this idea, Calixtre et al. reported that they achieved positive improvements in pain and jaw functions in their study investigating the effects of cervical region mobilization and exercises on individuals with TMJ.
Detailed description
Nerve compression, disc herniation, and fracture-related factors may play a role in the etiology of chronic neck pain, or the pain may not be associated with a specific cause. In the cervical region, muscles, fascia, disc, nerve root and facet joints are the structures that carry pain. Problems related to these structures can also cause pain in the cervical region and shoulder, arm, interscapular region and craniocervical structures. The stomatognathic system is the integrity of the structures that perform the functions of chewing, swallowing and speaking. This system in the head and neck region; It consists of bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, teeth, supporting dental tissues, glands, tongue, mouth and surrounding tissues, and neuromuscular system. The relationship between the stomatognathic and craniocervical systems is demonstrated by the interaction between masticatory and cervical muscles. Wiesinger et al. examined the relationship between spinal pain and temporamandibular joint disorders in a large sample and stated that both conditions may share common risk factors or affect each other. The coexistence of cervical spine and temporomandibular joint pathologies (TMJ) is explained by the neuroanatomical convergence of nociceptive neurons receiving trigeminal and neck sensory inputs. Studies have shown that neck disability may be accompanied by jaw joint disability, masseter myofascial pain, and regional muscle tenderness. Olivio et al. He reported that the treatment of individuals with TMJ pathology should also focus on the neck region, because improvement of one may affect the other. Based on this idea, Calixtre et al. reported that they achieved positive improvements in pain and jaw functions in their study investigating the effects of cervical region mobilization and exercises on individuals with TMJ.
In the treatment of chronic neck pain, it has been shown that craniocervical flexion exercise, cervical stabilization and endurance exercises, aerobic exercises, proprioceptive exercises and patient education, especially strengthening exercises for deep and superficial flexor muscles, reduce pain and improve quality of life by increasing muscle strength and functions. In the literature, the number of studies investigating the effectiveness of an exercise program for the jaw joint in individuals with chronic neck pain is quite limited. In this context, our aim is to investigate the effects of Rocabado exercises, one of the jaw joint exercises, on pain, pain threshold/tolerance, range of motion, proprioception, disability, quality of life, muscle strength, muscle endurance, sleep quality and posture in individuals with chronic neck pain.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- randomized controlled trials
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Control Group | Other | Other: Neck Stabilization ExerciseThe patients in the control group will be given cervical stabilization exercises consisting of 3 levels and increasing difficulty. The exercises will be taught to the patients level by level by the physiotherapist for 6 weeks. The subjects will perform the exercises for a total of 6 weeks. Before each exercise session, stretching exercises will be performed on the subjects. |
| Intervention group | Experimental | Other: Neck Stabilization Exercise + Rocabado ExercisesThe exercises to be applied to the control group for 6 weeks will be given to the intervention group in the same order and at weekly intervals. Additionally, Robacado exercises (jaw exercises) will be given to the individuals in this group. |
Who may qualify
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Being between the ages of 18-65
- Having neck pain for 3 months,
- Being sedentary
- Not participating in any physical therapy program in the last 6 months.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Being history of previous spinal surgery or trauma,
- Beingneurological deficit, vestibular pathology, neurological, cardiopulmonary, musculoskeletal problems affecting physical performance
- Being any pathology in the shoulder joint, any pathology in the jaw joint, and pregnancy were determined.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Neck Stabilization Exercise1. Control Group exercise program (Cervical Stabilization exercises group) The patients in the control group will be given cervical stabilization exercises consisting of 3 levels and increasing difficulty. The exercises will be taught to the patients level by level by the physiotherapist for 6 weeks. The subjects will perform the exercises for a total of 6 weeks. Before each exercise session, stretching exercises will be performed on the subjects. | Other | Control Group |
| Neck Stabilization Exercise + Rocabado Exercises2. Intervention group exercise program (the group to which Robacado exercises will be added in addition to cervical stabilization exercises) The exercises to be applied to the control group for 6 weeks will be given to the intervention group in the same order and at weekly intervals. In addition, individuals in this group will be given Robacado exercises. Robacado exercises: 1. Resting position for the tongue: The tip of the tongue is placed on the upper palate, just behind the front teeth (resting position for the tongue). 2. When the body is in an upright position, scapular retraction and depression movements are performed without disturbing the position of the cervical region. 3. When the body is in an upright position, at C2-C7 levels, hands are clamped on the neck and cranio-cervical flexion is studied. | Other | Intervention group |
Primary outcome
Disability level
Time frame: 6 week
Neck disability caused by neck pain was evaluated with the Neck Disability Index (NDI), which has been validated and reliable in Turkish. NDI was developed to evaluate the impact of neck pain on daily life activities (pain intensity, personal care, lifting, reading, concentration, work, driving, sleep and leisure activities) and consists of 10 sections. Each section is scored between 0 and 5 points. The total score obtained is between 0-50. Scores between 0-4 indicate no disability, scores between 5-14 indicate mild disability, scores between 15-24 indicate moderate disability, scores between 25-34 indicate severe disability, and scores above 35 indicate full disability.
6 secondary outcomes
Joint Range of Motion assessment
Time frame: 6 week
Pain assessment
Time frame: 6 week
Proprioception assessment
Time frame: 6 week
Balance
Time frame: 6 week
Muscle endurance
Time frame: 6 week
Pain threshold and tolerance
Time frame: 6 week
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 24 Dec 2025.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 41737306Canli M, Ozudogru A, Alkan H, Cigdem-Karacay B. Effectiveness of Jaw Exercises Applied in Addition to Cervical Stabilization Exercises in Individuals with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Pain Res. 2026 Feb 18;19:584088. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S584088. eCollection 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Neck Stabilization Exercise and Neck Stabilization Exercise + Rocabado Exercises in people with Neck Pain, run by Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 24 Dec 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Disability level (time frame: 6 week). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05887349, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 24 Dec 2025.