Mulligan Mobilizations Versus Active Release Technique in Tension-type Headache.

Riphah International University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Tension-Type Headache

Treatments: Other: Active Release Technique; Other: Mulligan mobilizations with active release technique; Other: Mulligan mobilizations

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06452628

REC/ RCR & AHS/23/01107

Details and patient eligibility

About

Tension-type headaches, characterized by a dull, aching head pain, are one of the most prevalent forms of headache disorders worldwide. Although they are typically not associated with severe disability or neurological symptoms, they can significantly impact an individual's quality of life due to chronic pain and discomfort. Non-pharmacological interventions, such as manual therapy techniques, have gained prominence in headache management, offering potential relief and functional improvements for patients. This study aims to investigate the comparative effectiveness of two widely used manual therapy approaches, Mulligan mobilization and Active Release Technique (ART), in alleviating pain, reducing disability, and enhancing range of motion (ROM) in patients suffering from tension-type headaches. Understanding which technique offers superior outcomes is vital for optimizing headache management strategies.

Full description

This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will recruit adult participants diagnosed with tension-type headaches according to standardized criteria. Eligible individuals will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: The Mulligan mobilization group, the ART group, and the control group. Each group will undergo a specific manual therapy intervention protocol administered by trained therapists. The primary outcome measures will include assessments of pain intensity via VAS, disability levels via Headache disability index (HDI), Stress levels will be assessed by PSS (Perceived Stress Scale), and ROM of the cervical spine by using the Flexion rotation test. Secondary outcomes will encompass patient-reported measures of headache frequency, medication usage, and overall quality of life. Data will be collected at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at follow-up intervals. Statistical analyses will be conducted to assess and compare the effects of the two interventions on the primary and secondary outcomes using ANOVA from SPSS software, thereby addressing the research question regarding their relative efficacy. This study holds the potential to enhance the evidence base for non-pharmacological headache management and guide clinicians and patients toward more effective treatment choices.

Enrollment: 33 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Individuals aged 18-35 years.
• Diagnosis of chronic tension-type headache according to the International Classification of --Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) criteria.
• Baseline HDI from 10 and above, and NPRS score 3 and above.
• No prior exposure to any of the two interventions (ART and Mulligan Mobilization).

Exclusion criteria

• All other types of headaches.

  • Individuals taking medications for headaches.
  • Serious neurological or medical conditions that could affect the study outcomes.
  • History of psychiatric disorders.
  • Recent head or neck trauma or surgery.
  • Contraindications for any of the two interventions.
  • Participation in other headache management studies during the study period.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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33 participants in 3 patient groups

Group A

Experimental group

Description:

This group will receive Mulligan mobilizations.

Treatment:

Other: Mulligan mobilizations

Group B

Active Comparator group

Description:

This group will receive the Active release technique.

Treatment:

Other: Active Release Technique

Group C

Other group

Description:

This group will receive both techniques combined.

Treatment:

Other: Mulligan mobilizations with active release technique