Clinical trial NCT06632808: Effectiveness of Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Exercises in Patients With Tension-Type Headache
Official title: Effects of Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Exercises on Pain, Spinal Posture, and Sensory Sensitivity in Patients With Tension-Type Headache: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Tension-Type Headache
Keywords: Tension-type headache
Pain
Posture
sensory sensitivity
Lead sponsor: Muş Alparslan University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2024-10-09
Enrollment: 40
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 50
Standard ages: ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: yes
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of deep cervical flexor muscle exercises on pain, spinal posture, and sensory sensitivity in patients with tension-type headaches. Designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial, the study will assess participants' pain levels using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), sensory sensitivity through the Sensory Sensitivity Scale, and spinal posture via a digital inclinometer for objective measurements. This research seeks to determine the effectiveness of these exercises in managing pain, improving spinal posture, and contributing to the enhancement of sensory sensitivity.

Detailed description: The objective of this study is to comprehensively evaluate the impact of deep cervical flexor muscle exercises on three key outcomes in patients suffering from tension-type headaches: pain intensity, spinal posture, and sensory sensitivity. Tension-type headaches, often associated with poor posture and muscular dysfunction, can significantly affect daily functioning and quality of life. This study seeks to explore whether targeted exercises for the deep cervical flexor muscles can alleviate these symptoms.

Designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial, this research will involve carefully selected participants who will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will undergo a structured exercise regimen focusing on deep cervical flexor muscles, while the control group will not receive this specific intervention.

To measure the effectiveness of the intervention, three primary assessment tools will be employed: pain levels will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), which provides a subjective yet widely accepted measure of pain intensity; sensory sensitivity will be assessed using the Sensory Sensitivity Scale, offering insight into changes in sensory perceptions related to the headache condition; and spinal posture will be objectively measured using a digital inclinometer, which quantifies postural alignment and deviations.

This research aims to contribute to the understanding of non-pharmacological interventions for tension-type headaches, providing evidence on whether deep cervical flexor exercises can reduce pain, improve spinal posture, and positively influence sensory sensitivity, potentially offering a holistic approach to managing these chronic headaches.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* being diagnosed with tension-type headache

Exclusion Criteria:

* whiplash injury,
* significant neck trauma (caused by trauma to the neck, fracture, distortion, or violent attack that have caused the current NP),
* nerve root compression of the cervical spine,
* persistent headache attributed to traumatic injury to the head
* cluster headache,
* trigeminal neuralgia,
* pregnancy,
* breastfeeding,
* severe physical and/or mental illness

Primary outcomes:
measure: Visual Analog Scale (VAS)
timeFrame: Two months
measure: Sensory Sensitivity Scale
timeFrame: Two months
Secondary outcomes:
Other outcomes:
Locations:
Study officials:
References: