Effect of Kinesio Taping Combined With Postural Correction on Improving Tension-Type Headache Among University Students

Deraya University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Headache Disorders; Forward Head Posture; Muscle Tension

Treatments: Other: Kinesio Taping Combined with Postural Correction and SMI; Other: Postural Correction and SMI Program

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07411820

DU-PT-KT-TTH-001

Details and patient eligibility

About

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.

Full 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.

Enrollment: 52 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 25 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

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

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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52 participants in 2 patient groups

Postural Correction and Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants will receive a postural correction program consisting of: Deep neck flexor strengthening exercises (chin tucks, progressive resistance) Suboccipital muscle inhibition (manual pressure to release muscle tension) Ergonomic and postural education for studying and daily activities Two sessions per week for 4 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: Postural Correction and SMI Program

Kinesio Taping + Postural Correction and SMI

Experimental group

Description:

Participants will receive the same postural correction program as the control group with the addition of Kinesio Taping: Kinesio Tape applied to cervical spine and upper trapezius to enhance proprioception and reduce strain. Two sessions per week for 4 weeks.

Treatment:

Other: Kinesio Taping Combined with Postural Correction and SMI