Comparison of Aerobic Exercise and Neck Motor Control Exercises for Treating Jaw and Neck Pain in Women Aged 18 to 60

What this Trial Is About

Musculoskeletal disorders, including jaw and neck pain, are widespread and significantly impact quality of life due to chronic pain and disability. This research compares two types of exercise therapieslocal craniocervical motor control exercises and aerobic exerciseto assess their effects on pain intensity, pain sensitivity, jaw and neck disability, and muscle performance in women aged 18 to 60 diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders or chronic neck pain. The study is a pilot randomized controlled trial aiming also to test the feasibility of these protocols for future research funding. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups the neck motor control exercise group or the aerobic exercise group. The neck exercise program involves supervised training focusing on the deep and superficial neck muscles over 12 weeks, with sessions lasting 30 to 45 minutes and gradually decreasing in frequency. The aerobic group will perform cycling sessions lasting 60 minutes with varying intensities progressing over 12 weeks. Both groups will follow a structured training schedule designed to improve pain and muscle function. Participants will be evaluated at multiple points before treatment, at 2 and 6 weeks, at the end of 12 weeks of treatment, and during follow-ups at 3 and 6 months post-treatment. Assessments include pain intensity using a Visual Analogue Scale, neck disability, jaw function, pressure pain thresholds, psychological functioning, and muscle performance and fatigability. Compliance will be monitored through diaries and reminders, and any medication changes will be recorded. Data will be analyzed to determine the treatments effects over time while maintaining participant confidentiality and safety.

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