Comparison of Kinesio Taping and Myofascial Release in Cervicogenic Headache

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Cervicogenic Headache

• Registration Number: NCT06940167
• Lead Sponsor: Konya Meram State Hospital

Brief Summary

Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is defined as a headache accompanied by neck pain, caused by a disorder in the cervical spine, bones, discs, or soft tissue elements. This study is designed as a prospective, case-control, hospital-based study. A total of 90 patients aged 18-65 years who have been suffering from CGH for at least three months and who present to the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinic of Meram State Hospital between January 2025 and January 2027 will be included in the study. Patients will be informed about the procedures, and informed consent will be obtained. The study will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. A detailed medical history will be taken from all participants, and a comprehensive physical examination will be performed. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics such as age, gender, height, weight, education level, employment status, and income level will be recorded. The 90 CGH patients will be divided into three groups.Group 1 (n=30) will receive myofascial release therapy + home exercise program for four weeks, three sessions per week, totaling 12 sessions. Group 2 (n=30) will receive Kinesio taping + home exercise program for four weeks, three sessions per week, totaling 12 sessions. Group 3 (n=30) will receive only a home exercise program for four weeks, three sessions per week, totaling 12 sessions. All evaluations will be conducted by the same researcher at three time points: before treatment (baseline), at the end of treatment (week 4), and one month after the completion of treatment (week 8).The aim of this prospective clinical study is to compare the effectiveness of Kinesio taping and myofascial release therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic headache.

Detailed Description

This randomized, parallel-group clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of kinesio taping and myofascial release therapy in patients diagnosed with cervicogenic headache. The study is based on the hypothesis that both interventions can reduce pain intensity and functional disability, but their relative efficacy remains unclear. The trial is designed to provide clinical evidence to guide physiotherapeutic management of cervicogenic headache.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-09
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-15
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-15
• Study First Posted: 2025-04-23
• Last Update Posted: 2025-04-23
• Study Start: 2025-07-01
• Primary Completion: 2025-07-01
• Study Completion: 2025-09-01

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 90

Inclusion Criteria

Individuals aged 18-65 years Neck or headache persisting for at least 3 months

Meeting the diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache, including:

• Unilateral pain
• Reduced cervical range of motion
• Ipsilateral shoulder discomfort
• Ipsilateral arm discomfort
• Pain exacerbated by different neck movements and tenderness on palpation

Exclusion Criteria

Migraine Cluster headache Cervical radiculopathy Entrapment neuropathy Myelopathy Rheumatoid arthritis Undergoing cervical spinal surgery Pregnancy Receiving physical therapy within the last 6 months History of major psychiatric disorders History of uncontrolled systemic diseases (cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, hematological, etc.) History of uncontrolled endocrine diseases (e.g., Diabetes Mellitus, hyperthyroidism, etc.)

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Cervicogenic Headache Severity Measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at Baseline, 4 Weeks, and 8 Weeks	Baseline, Week 4 (end of treatment), and Week 8 (1-month follow-up after treatment)	Headache severity will be assessed using a 10 cm horizontal Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates "no pain" and 10 indicates "worst possible pain." Participants will mark the level of their current headache severity on the scale. Changes will be calculated from baseline to week 4 and week 8.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Change in Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) Score at Baseline, 4 Weeks, and 8 Weeks	Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8	The HIT-6 is a six-item questionnaire evaluating the impact of headache on daily activities, scored from 36 to 78. Higher scores indicate greater impact.
Change in Headache Disability Index (HDI) Score at Baseline, 4 Weeks, and 8 Weeks	Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8	The HDI is a 25-item questionnaire assessing the emotional and functional impact of headaches. The total score is used to evaluate disability level.
Change in Quality of Life Measured by Short Form-12 (SF-12) at Baseline, 4 Weeks, and 8 Weeks	Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8	SF-12 evaluates general health and quality of life across physical and mental domains. Scores are calculated per standard algorithm.
Change in Headache Frequency (Number of Headache Days per Month) at Baseline, 4 Weeks, and 8 Weeks	Baseline, Week 4, and Week 8	Headache frequency will be recorded using a headache diary. The number of days with headache in the past 4 weeks will be used for assessment.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Meram State Hospital; 🇹🇷 Konya, Meram, Turkey