Forward Head Posture, Headache Disorders, Muscle Tension
Conditions
Brief summary
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining Kinesio Taping (KT) with postural correction exercises and suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI) in managing tension-type headaches (TTH) among university students. The intervention's impact on headache intensity, frequency, and functional limitations will be compared with a control group performing postural correction and SMI alone.
Detailed description
Tension-type headache (TTH) is a common primary headache associated with muscular tension, poor posture, and psychological stress. Physiotherapy interventions including deep neck flexor exercises, suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI), and postural education have been shown to reduce pain and improve posture. Kinesio Taping (KT) has been proposed as an adjunct that enhances proprioception, reduces muscle tension, and supports cervical alignment. This randomized controlled trial will recruit 52 university students aged 18-25 years diagnosed with frequent episodic TTH according to ICHD-3 criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (Control): Postural correction + SMI Group B (Experimental): Kinesio Taping + Postural correction + SMI Both groups will receive two treatment sessions per week for 4 weeks. Assessments will be performed at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment, and at a 1-month follow-up using validated measures for pain, frequency, and posture.
Interventions
OTHERPostural Correction and Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition
Deep neck flexor exercises, suboccipital muscle inhibition, and ergonomic education performed twice weekly for four weeks.
OTHERKinesio Taping + Postural Correction and SMI
Same as the control program with addition of Kinesio Taping to cervical and trapezius muscles.
Sponsors
Deraya University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Masking description
Participants will be blinded to the specific purpose of each intervention and will not be informed of group assignment. Training sessions will be scheduled separately to minimize awareness.
Intervention model description
Fifty-two participants will be randomly assigned to two parallel groups. The experimental group will receive Kinesio Taping in addition to postural correction and SMI, while the control group will receive postural correction and SMI only. Both groups will undergo two sessions per week for four weeks.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 25 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* University students aged 18-25 years * Diagnosed with tension-type headache per ICHD-3 criteria * At least 10 headache episodes per month for \>3 months * Pericranial muscle tenderness (suboccipital, temporalis, upper trapezius) * Craniovertebral angle \< 50°
Exclusion criteria
* Migraine or cluster headaches * Recent neck trauma or surgery * Skin allergy or sensitivity to tape * Current use of medications affecting pain perception Cervical radiculopathy or neurological deficits
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Headache Intensity | Baseline, 4 weeks post-intervention, 1-month follow-up | Measurement Tool: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) / Numeric Pain Rating Scale Self-reported headache pain intensity (0-10 scale). |
| Headache Frequency | Baseline, 4 weeks post-intervention, 1-month follow-up | Measurement Tool: Headache Diary Number of headache days per month recorded by participants. |
| Headache Impact | Baseline, 4 weeks post-intervention, 1-month follow-up | Measurement Tool: Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) Description: Assesses the effect of headaches on daily life and function. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) | Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention | Measurement Tool: Pressure Algometer Description: Measures pericranial muscle tenderness. |
| Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) | Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention | Measurement Tool: Goniometer / Digital Photogrammetry Description: Quantifies forward head posture; increased angle indicates improvement. |
Countries
Egypt
Outcome results
None listed