Deep Neck Flexor Exercises Versus Myofascial Release of Suboccipital Muscles in Chronic Tension-type Headache

Chronic Tension-Type Headache Clinical Trial

Official title: The Effectiveness of Deep Neck Flexor Exercises in Comparison With Myofascial Release of Suboccipital Muscle on Pain and Forward Head Posture in People With Chronic Tension-type Headache and Forward Head Posture

Status Not yet recruiting

Clinical Trial Summary

According to the study of the burden of diseases in 2018, tension-type headache(TTH) is the most common type of primary headache and ranks third in terms of prevalence among 328 diseases and injuries in 195 countries from 1990 to 2016. Suffering from this disorder (especially chronic type) reduces the quality of life of patients.

The main objective of this study is to compare the effects of myofascial release of suboccipital muscles as a bottom-up intervention and Deep Neck Flexor(DNF) exercises with Pressure Biofeedback Unit(PBU) as a top-down intervention on headache parameters, the intensity of Forward Head Posture(FHP), disability, quality of life, and suboccipital Pressure Pain Threshold(PPT) in patients with chronic tension-type headache with forward head posture.

Clinical Trial Description

Previous studies demonstrated that suboccipital active Trigger Points(TrPs) and forward head posture were associated with Chronic Tension-Type Headache(CTTH) and they can aggravate parameters of headache in these patients. The greater suboccipital muscle contraction, as would be exexpected in greater FHP, the more the nociceptive input into the trigeminal nucleus caudalis, and the lower the headache or pain threshold, consistent with increased central sensitization; Therefore it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions on FHP and suboccipital active TrPs in patients with CTTH.

The main objective of this study is to compare the effects of myofascial release of suboccipital muscles as a bottom-up intervention and deep neck flexor exercises with a pressure biofeedback unit as a top-down intervention.

Primary outcomes will be the intensity of headache and FHP. headache duration and frequency, disability, quality of life, and pain pressure threshold will be considered as secondary outcomes.

In this study, a double-dummy randomized clinical trial, 44 participants will be divided into two groups of DNF exercises with pressure biofeedback combined with sham MFR (first group) and sub-occipital MFR combined with sham DNF exercises(second group). The intervention will take place over a 4-week period, with three 1-hour sessions a week, totaling 12 treatment sessions. this study has a 6-week follow-up.

This study is a double-blind study in which the participants, the person evaluating the outcome, and the statistician of the data will be blinded to the allocation of patients to the two treatment groups. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Chronic Tension-Type Headache
• Headache
• Tension-Type Headache

• NCT number: NCT05383365
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Iran University of Medical Sciences
• Contact: Mobina Ahmadi, MSc student
• Phone: 00989039182326
• Email: m.oahmadi@ymail.com
• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: June 1, 2024
• Completion date: December 1, 2025