Cervicogenic Headache
Conditions
Brief summary
This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) with and without Myofascial Release (MFR) in patients with cervicogenic headache. Forty participants aged 20-40 years were randomly assigned into two groups: MET only and MET combined with MFR. The intervention was delivered over five sessions across two weeks. Outcomes included pain intensity (VAS), cervical range of motion, and disability (Neck Disability Index), assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The study evaluated which intervention produced greater improvements in pain, function, and cervical mobility.
Detailed description
This randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) with and without Myofascial Release (MFR) in patients with cervicogenic headache. Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache arising from dysfunctions of the cervical spine and associated muscular structures. A total of 40 participants aged between 20 and 40 years were recruited and randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A received Muscle Energy Technique alone, while Group B received a combination of Muscle Energy Technique and Myofascial Release. The intervention was delivered over five treatment sessions within a period of two weeks. Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), cervical range of motion measured with a goniometer, and functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Assessments were performed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. The objective of the study was to determine whether the addition of Myofascial Release to Muscle Energy Technique provides superior improvements in pain reduction, cervical mobility, and functional disability compared to Muscle Energy Technique alone in patients with cervicogenic headache.
Interventions
PROCEDUREMuscle Energy Technique (MET)
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) was applied to the cervical region muscles using isometric contractions followed by passive stretching. The technique was performed in a controlled manner to improve muscle flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance cervical mobility over five treatment sessions within two weeks.
PROCEDUREMyofascial Release (MFR)
Sustained manual pressure applied to cervical and upper trapezius muscles to release fascial restrictions.
Sponsors
University of Lahore
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Intervention model description
This study used a parallel-group randomized controlled design. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: one receiving Muscle Energy Technique (MET) alone and the other receiving a combination of Muscle Energy Technique and Myofascial Release (MFR). Both interventions were delivered over a fixed treatment period, and outcomes were compared between groups after completion of the intervention.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 40 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Participants aged 20 to 40 years * Diagnosed with cervicogenic headache * Both male and female participants * Participants willing to participate in the study
Exclusion criteria
* History of cervical fracture or surgery * Neurological disorders affecting the cervical region * Severe cervical spine pathology * Participants receiving other forms of manual therapy
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity (Viscual Analogue Scale) | Baseline and 2 weeks post-intervention | Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst possible pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cervical Range of Motion | Baseline and 2 weeks post-intervention | Cervical range of motion was assessed using a goniometer to measure flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the cervical spine. |
| Neck Disability Measured by Neck Disability Index (NDI) | Baseline and 2 weeks post-intervention | Functional disability was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The scale ranges from 0 to 50, where higher scores indicate greater disability related to neck pain. |
Countries
Pakistan
Outcome results
None listed