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Masseter MuscleNCT07468786

Masseter Muscle Thickness in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

An observational study of Masseter Muscle and Ultrasonographic, run by Hasan Kalyoncu University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The primary objective of our study is to compare the thickness of the masseter muscle, measured by ultrasound, in individuals with chronic neck pain to that of healthy individuals. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 45 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
How many people
90 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
20 Mar 2026to 20 May 2026
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 45 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Study population: The study will include individuals aged 18-45 who have experienced neck pain for at least 3 months but do not have a diagnosed cervical pathology. The control group will include individuals aged 18-45 who do not have any health problems.

Who may be able to join

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 45
  • Have neck pain that has persisted for at least 3 months
  • Agree to participate in the study voluntarily and provide written informed consent

Who cannot join

  • History of cervical spine surgery or severe trauma
  • Diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy, myelopathy, or neurological disease
  • Rheumatic, inflammatory, or systemic musculoskeletal diseases
  • Diagnosed temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD)
  • Diagnosis of bruxism or a pronounced habit of teeth clenching/grinding
  • History of manual therapy, injection, or surgical intervention in the face, jaw, or neck region within the last 6 months
  • Currently undergoing orthodontic treatment or history of orthodontic treatment within the last 6 months
  • Cognitive impairment or conditions that prevent understanding and responding to questionnaires

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Tuğba GÖNEN, Asisst. Prof. Dr. contact

505 090 58 46

tugba.badat@hku.edu.tr

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Hasan Kalyoncu University

    Gaziantep, Şahinbey, 27000

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Comparison of Masseter Muscle Thickness Measured by Ultrasonography in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain Compared to Healthy Individuals

The primary objective of our study is to compare the thickness of the masseter muscle, measured by ultrasound, in individuals with chronic neck pain to that of healthy individuals. The secondary objective of the study is to examine the relationships between masseter muscle thickness and pain intensity, neck disability level, pain catastrophizing level, and clinical diagnostic criteria in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Read the detailed description

The aim of this study is to evaluate masseter muscle thickness in individuals with chronic neck pain using ultrasonography and to compare it with healthy individuals. Thus, it is intended to reveal possible morphological changes related to the craniomandibular system in chronic neck pain and to determine whether these changes contribute to clinical evaluations. The literature reports that there are biomechanical and neuromuscular connections between the temporomandibular system and the cervical spine, and that changes in masseter muscle activity and morphology may be related to neck pain. The literature emphasizes that there are biomechanical, neuromuscular, and sensory connections between the temporomandibular system and the cervical spine, and that dysfunctions in these two regions may influence each other reciprocally. The masseter muscle, in particular, being one of the primary muscles of the temporomandibular system, may exhibit increased muscle activity, parafunctional habits, and morphological adaptations due to central sensitization mechanisms in chronic pain conditions. Chronic neck pain is reported to be more common in individuals with temporomandibular disorders, along with increased muscle sensitivity and functional limitations, and this condition is associated with cervical pain severity and disability level. Ultrasonography is a reliable, valid, and non-invasive method for assessing muscle thickness and is widely used to evaluate the morphological characteristics of the masseter muscle. Measuring masseter muscle thickness by ultrasonography allows for the evaluation of the muscle's structural response to functional loading and enables comparisons between different clinical groups. However, the literature shows that studies comparing possible changes in masseter muscle thickness in individuals with chronic neck pain with healthy individuals are limited, and this relationship has not been sufficiently elucidated. Accordingly, the primary objective of this study is to compare the masseter muscle thickness measured by ultrasonography in individuals with chronic neck pain with that in healthy individuals. The secondary objective of the study is to examine the relationships between masseter muscle thickness and pain intensity, neck disability level, pain catastrophizing level, and clinical diagnostic criteria in individuals with chronic neck pain.

Keywords
chronic neck pain, Ultrasonographic measurement, Masseter muscle

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

Study groups in NCT07468786
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Chronic neck pain groupThe study will include individuals aged 18-45 who have experienced neck pain for at least 3 months but do not have a diagnosed cervical pathology.
Healthy GroupThe control group will also include individuals aged 18-45 with no health problems.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Ultrasonographic Measurement

    Masseter muscle thickness will be assessed using the B-mode ultrasound method with a 7.5-10 MHz frequency linear probe on an ALEXUS brand ultrasound device. During measurements, participants will be positioned sitting upright, with the head in a neutral position and the jaw at rest (teeth not in occlusion). Prior to measurement, participants will be instructed to avoid activities such as intense chewing or gum chewing for the last 24 hours. The measurement point will be determined as the midpoint of the line between the zygomatic arch and the mandibular angle. The linear probe will be placed parallel to the long axis of the masseter muscle fibers, perpendicular to the skin surface, and with minimal pressure applied. The ultrasound image will clearly distinguish the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and superficial and deep fascial borders of the masseter muscle.

    Measured: through of the study, average 3 months

Secondary outcomes (4)
  1. Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

    The VAS is a one-dimensional measurement tool used to assess the intensity of pain as perceived by the individual. The scale consists of a horizontal line with endpoints defined as "0 = no pain" and "10 = unbearable pain," on which the individual marks their current pain level. Participants are asked to rate the intensity of their neck pain, and the distance from the starting point to the marked point is measured in centimeters or millimeters and scored. Higher scores indicate higher pain intensity.

    Measured: through of the study, average 3 months

  2. Neck Disability Index - NDI

    The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a multidimensional self-report scale developed to assess the level of functional limitation associated with neck pain, covering activities of daily living. The scale consists of a total of 10 items covering pain, personal care, lifting, reading, headaches, concentration, work, driving, sleep, and recreation. Each item is scored from 0 to 5, and the total score ranges from 0 to 50. Higher scores indicate an increased level of disability related to the neck. The validity and reliability study of the 7-item questionnaire in Turkish was conducted by Emine Aslan and colleagues in 2008.

    Measured: through of the study, average 3 months

  3. Pain Catastrophizing Scale

    The Pain Catastrophizing Scale was developed to assess an individual's negative cognitive and emotional responses to their pain experience. The scale consists of three subscales: rumination (persistent thinking), magnification, and helplessness. The scale is answered using a Likert-type rating, and a total score is calculated. High scores indicate an increased tendency to catastrophize pain.

    Measured: through of the study, average 3 months

  4. Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ)

    The Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) is a self-report measure that assesses functional impairment and symptom severity associated with neck pain. The scale consists of items covering pain, paresthesia, sleep, social life, and daily activities. Participants select the statement that best applies to them for each item. The total score reflects the level of functional impairment, with higher scores indicating greater disability and symptom severity.

    Measured: through of the study, average 3 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted13 Mar 2026
  2. Study start20 Mar 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion20 Apr 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion20 May 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
90 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07468786
Sponsor's protocol ID
2026/010
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
9 Mar 2026
Last updated
13 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Aslan EM, Artas A. Ultrasonographic Assessment of Masseter and Anterior Temporal Muscle Thickness and Internal Structure in Young Adult Patients With Bruxism. J Clin Ultrasound. 2025 Feb;53(2):286-293. doi: 10.1002/jcu.23866. Epub 2024 Oct 11.

    PubMed 39391995
  • Leak AM, Cooper J, Dyer S, Williams KA, Turner-Stokes L, Frank AO. The Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire, devised to measure neck pain and disability. Br J Rheumatol. 1994 May;33(5):469-74. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/33.5.469.

    PubMed 8173853
  • Ilcin N, Gurpinar B, Bayraktar D, Savci S, Cetin P, Sari I, Akkoc N. Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Turkish version of the pain catastrophizing scale among patients with ankylosing spondylitis. J Phys Ther Sci. 2016 Jan;28(1):298-303. doi: 10.1589/jpts.28.298. Epub 2016 Jan 30.

    PubMed 26957778
  • Darnall BD, Sturgeon JA, Cook KF, Taub CJ, Roy A, Burns JW, Sullivan M, Mackey SC. Development and Validation of a Daily Pain Catastrophizing Scale. J Pain. 2017 Sep;18(9):1139-1149. doi: 10.1016/j.jpain.2017.05.003. Epub 2017 May 19.

    PubMed 28528981
  • Aslan E, Karaduman A, Yakut Y, Aras B, Simsek IE, Yagly N. The cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of neck disability index in patients with neck pain: a Turkish version study. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2008 May 15;33(11):E362-5. doi: 10.1097/BRS.0b013e31817144e1.

    PubMed 18469684
  • Vernon H, Mior S. The Neck Disability Index: a study of reliability and validity. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 1991 Sep;14(7):409-15.

    PubMed 1834753
  • Delgado DA, Lambert BS, Boutris N, McCulloch PC, Robbins AB, Moreno MR, Harris JD. Validation of Digital Visual Analog Scale Pain Scoring With a Traditional Paper-based Visual Analog Scale in Adults. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2018 Mar 23;2(3):e088. doi: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-17-00088. eCollection 2018 Mar.

    PubMed 30211382
  • Rohila AK, Sharma VP, Shrivastav PK, Nagar A, Singh GP. An ultrasonographic evaluation of masseter muscle thickness in different dentofacial patterns. Indian J Dent Res. 2012 Nov-Dec;23(6):726-31. doi: 10.4103/0970-9290.111247.

    PubMed 23649053
  • Ariji Y, Sakuma S, Izumi M, Sasaki J, Kurita K, Ogi N, Nojiri M, Nakagawa M, Takenaka M, Katsuse S, Ariji E. Ultrasonographic features of the masseter muscle in female patients with temporomandibular disorder associated with myofascial pain. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod. 2004 Sep;98(3):337-41. doi: 10.1016/j.tripleo.2004.06.068.

    PubMed 15356473
  • Campi LB, Jordani PC, Tenan HL, Camparis CM, Goncalves DA. Painful temporomandibular disorders and central sensitization: implications for management-a pilot study. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2017 Jan;46(1):104-110. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2016.07.005. Epub 2016 Aug 21.

    PubMed 27553896
  • Olivo SA, Fuentes J, Major PW, Warren S, Thie NM, Magee DJ. The association between neck disability and jaw disability. J Oral Rehabil. 2010 Sep;37(9):670-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2842.2010.02098.x. Epub 2010 May 27.

    PubMed 20524969
  • Armijo-Olivo S, Silvestre RA, Fuentes JP, da Costa BR, Major PW, Warren S, Thie NM, Magee DJ. Patients with temporomandibular disorders have increased fatigability of the cervical extensor muscles. Clin J Pain. 2012 Jan;28(1):55-64. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0b013e31822019f2.

    PubMed 21677569

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Masseter Muscle and Ultrasonographic, run by Hasan Kalyoncu University 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 3 inclusion and 8 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Mar 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 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Tuğba GÖNEN, Asisst. Prof. Dr. (505 090 58 46, tugba.badat@hku.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Ultrasonographic Measurement (time frame: through of the study, average 3 months). 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 NCT07468786, which also lists 12 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 13 Mar 2026.

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