Neck Pain MusculoskeletalPBUNCT07266610
Effects of Neck Stabilizers Retraining on Chronic Neck Pain
A study testing Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining and Conventional exercises in people with Neck Pain Musculoskeletal and Chronic Neck Pain, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 30 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Chronic Neck Pain
- What is being tested?
- Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining and Conventional exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 28 Nov 2025to 13 May 2026
- 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 18 to 30 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- 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
Who cannot join
- Traumatic neck injury
- Neurological disorders
- Cervical spine infection or surgery
- Cancer
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
Pakistan1 site
Pakistan Society for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PSRD)
Lahore, Punjab Province
About this study
Official title: Effects of Deep Neck Stabilizers Retraining With Pressure Biofeedback on Cervical Pain, Range of Motion and Temporomandibular Dysfunction in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain
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.
Read the detailed description
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
- Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Chronic Neck Pain
- Being tested
- Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining, Conventional exercises
- Keywords
- Chronic neck pain, Deep neck stabilizers, Pressure biofeedback, Temporomandibular dysfunction
- Medical subject headings
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retrainingOther
The experimental group will receive deep neck stabilizer training with pressure biofeedback and traditional exercises for six weeks, three times weekly.
Conventional exercisesOther
The control group will engage in a traditional exercise program for 6 weeks, meeting three times weekly
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 (Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining ) | Experimental | 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. Receives: Other: Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining |
| Group 2 (Conventional exercises) | Active comparator | 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. Receives: Other: Conventional exercises |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Temporomandibular dysfunction
Mandibular Functional Impairment Questionnaire
Measured: 6 weeks
Pain Intensity
Numeric Pain Rating Scale will be used
Measured: 6 weeks
Cervical Range of Motion
Inclinometer
Measured: 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Dec 2025
- Study start28 Nov 2025
- Primary completion13 May 2026
- Study completion13 May 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (4)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Neck Pain MusculoskeletalStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesThe 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
- 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
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Umber Nawaz, Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07266610
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UBAS/ERB/FoRS/25/024
- Other IDs
- U1111-1331-6077
- Acronym
- PBU
- Status last verified
- Dec 2025
- First submitted
- 24 Nov 2025
- Last updated
- 18 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
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.
PubMed 33083487Alagingi 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.
PubMed 36180150Aguiar 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.
PubMed 34501273Craciun 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.
PubMed 36428529
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effects of Deep Neck Stabilizers Retraining With Pressure Biofeedback on Cervical Pain, Range of Motion and Temporomandibular Dysfunction in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07266610
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PBU / UBAS/ERB/FoRS/25/024
- Conditions
- Neck Pain Musculoskeletal, Chronic Neck Pain
- Keywords
- Chronic neck pain, Deep neck stabilizers, Pressure biofeedback, Temporomandibular dysfunction
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Lahore University of Biological and Applied SciencesUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 28 Nov 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 13 May 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 13 May 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 5 Dec 2025 (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.
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
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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (participant, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- 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
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1 (Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining ) | Experimental | Other: Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retrainingEach 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 2 (Conventional exercises) | Active comparator | Other: Conventional exercisesEach 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. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 30 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- 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
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Traumatic neck injury
- Neurological disorders
- Cervical spine infection or surgery
- Cancer
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retrainingThe experimental group will receive deep neck stabilizer training with pressure biofeedback and traditional exercises for six weeks, three times weekly. | Other | Group 1 (Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining ) |
| Conventional exercisesThe control group will engage in a traditional exercise program for 6 weeks, meeting three times weekly | Other | Group 2 (Conventional exercises) |
Primary outcome
Temporomandibular dysfunction
Time frame: 6 weeks
Mandibular Functional Impairment Questionnaire
Pain Intensity
Time frame: 6 weeks
Numeric Pain Rating Scale will be used
Cervical Range of Motion
Time frame: 6 weeks
Inclinometer
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 18 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 33083487Sikka 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.
- Results publication: PubMed 36180150Alagingi 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.
- Results publication: PubMed 34501273Aguiar 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.
- Results publication: PubMed 36428529Craciun 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.
- 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 Biofeedback-assisted deep neck flexor retraining and Conventional exercises in people with Neck Pain Musculoskeletal and Chronic Neck Pain, run by Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences at 1 site in Pakistan.
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 2 inclusion and 4 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 18 May 2026. 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 Pakistan. 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?
Temporomandibular dysfunction (time frame: 6 weeks). The study lists 3 primary outcomes in all. 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 NCT07266610, which also lists 4 linked publications.
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 18 May 2026.