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Effectiveness of Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Exercises in Patients With Tension-Type Headache

Not Applicable
Not yet recruiting
Conditions
Tension-Type Headache
Interventions
Other: Exercise
Registration Number
NCT06632808
Lead Sponsor
Muş Alparlan University
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.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
40
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

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
deep cervical flexor muscle exercisesExercisedeep cervical flexor muscle exercises program
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Visual Analog Scale (VAS)Two months

VAS is used to convert some values that cannot be measured numerically into numerical values. Two extreme definitions of the severity of pain are written on both ends of a 10 cm line and the patient is asked to indicate his/her own condition by placing an X mark on the line where he/she deems appropriate.

Sensory Sensitivity ScaleTwo months

Sensory Sensitivity Scale: is a tool used to diagnose sensory modulation problems clinically. The Sensory Sensitivity Scale has two parts; the first part asks the person to relate to the intensity of the responses, while the second part asks the person to relate to the frequency of the responses. The scale consists of sensory stimuli including auditory, visual, taste, smell, vestibular (kinesthesia) and somatosensory (proprioceptive and tactile) stimuli except pain.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
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