Comparison of the Eficacy of Mulligan Mobilization and Myofascial Release in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache

NCT07508410 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 15520
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 90
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Cervicogenic headache (CBH) is defined as a headache caused by a disorder in the cervical spine, bones, discs, or soft tissue elements, which is also accompanied by neck pain. Unilateral, non-reversible oculo, fronto, temporal pain, pain that increases with poor neck positioning and incorrect neck movements, and may be seen with restricted movement in the upper cervical and occiput regions. The aim of this thesis is to compare the effectiveness of Mulligan mobilization technique and myofascial release methods used in the treatment of cervicogenic headache through a prospective clinical study.

Conditions

Cervicogenic Headache

Keywords

Neck pain; Massage therapy; Musculoskeletal diseases; Musculoskeletal manipulation; Rehabilitation; Complementary therapies

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Frequency of cervicogenic headache

  To determine the frequency of cervicogenic headaches, patients were given a headache diary.

  Beginning, week 4, and week 8

• assessment of pain intensity VAS pain (0-10)

  0 no pain, 10 unbearable/maximum pain

  Beginning, week 4, and week 8

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Headache impact scale (HIT)

  Beginning, week 4, and week 8

• Headache disability inventory/indexi ( HDI )

  Beginning, week 4, and week 8

• Assessment of quality of life short form-12

  Beginning, week 4, and week 8

Study Arms (3)

Mulligan mobilization technique

EXPERIMENTAL

In addition to mulligan mobilization therapy, which will be given three times a week for four weeks (12 sessions in total), a home exercise program will be provided.

Other: Mulligan mobilization therapy

Myofascial release therapy

EXPERIMENTAL

In addition to myofascial release therapy, which will be given three times a week for four weeks (12 sessions in total), a home exercise program will be provided.

Other: Myofascial release therapy

A home workout program

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

A home workout program will be provided three times a week for four weeks (12 sessions in total).

Other: Exercise therapy

Interventions

Mulligan mobilization therapy OTHER

Each patient was asked to sit comfortably, and the therapist performing the treatment stood beside them. The patient's head was free and positioned between the therapist's right forearm and body, with the therapist standing to the patient's right. The therapist then placed their right index, middle, and ring fingers on the base of the occiput and held their right little finger on the spinous process of C2. Next, gentle pressure was applied ventrally and upward (45 degrees) to the lateral edge of the left thenar process and the right little finger. The gliding motion was applied rhythmically (three times per second) ten times. The therapist continuously slid the joint and actively asked the patient to move their head towards the side where the dysfunction and pain were located. He held the SNAG technique for 10 seconds. This technique was repeated 10 times over approximately 8 minutes.

Mulligan mobilization technique

Myofascial release therapy OTHER

The procedure was performed on the upper part of the trapezius muscle and the levator scapulae muscle. The patient was in a seated position, hips higher than knees, feet slightly in front of the knees and in full contact with the ground. The therapist stood behind the patient. Myofascial release of the trapezius was performed unilaterally with a soft fist, while the patient lowered their head forward and slowly rotated, creating a tension line from the middle of the trapezius towards the acromion process. During this time, the patient was asked to turn their head to the opposite side. Then, the therapist applied resistance to the opposite side of the rotation for 10 seconds. MGT was repeated 5 times on the trapezius. The therapist applied the same unilateral contraction, but the tension line was slightly laterally towards the lower edge of the scapula. The therapist then asked the patient to tilt their head forward to increase resistance on the levator scapula for 10 seconds.

Myofascial release therapy

Exercise therapy OTHER

All patients were given a home exercise program consisting of neck joint range of motion exercises, trapezius stretches, and isometric strengthening exercises for the neck muscles. The home exercise program was initiated with 3 sets of 10 repetitions per day. The exercises were demonstrated practically by the physician, and all patients were given a printed sheet showing how to perform the exercises. Patients were contacted by phone once a week to inquire about their adherence to the exercise program and were encouraged to follow it. Patients with exercise adherence below 75-80% were excluded from the study.

A home workout program

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 65 Years
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Individuals aged 18-65
• Having experienced neck or headache for 3 months
• Meeting the diagnostic criteria for cervicogenic headache;
• Unilateral pain
• Reduced range of motion in the neck
• Ipsilateral shoulder discomfort
• Ipsilateral arm discomfort
• Pain that worsens with different neck movements and is painful on palpation

You may not qualify if:

• Migraine
• Cluster headache
• Cervical radiculopathy
• Entrapment neuropathy
• Myelopathy
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Undergoing cervical spinal surgery
• Pregnant women
• Those who received physical therapy within 6 months
• Those with a history of major psychiatric illness
• Those with a history of uncontrolled systemic diseases (cardiovascular, pulmonary, hepatic, renal, hematological)
• Those with a history of uncontrolled systemic endocrine diseases (dm, hyperthyroidism)

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Konya Beyhekim Training and Research Hospital: lead

Study Sites (1)

Konya Beyhekim Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi

Konya, 42060, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Post-Traumatic Headache; Neck Pain; Musculoskeletal Diseases

Interventions

Myofascial Release Therapy; Exercise Therapy

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Headache Disorders, Secondary; Headache Disorders; Brain Diseases; Central Nervous System Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Pain; Neurologic Manifestations; Signs and Symptoms; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Massage; Therapy, Soft Tissue; Musculoskeletal Manipulations; Complementary Therapies; Therapeutics; Physical Therapy Modalities; Rehabilitation; Aftercare; Continuity of Patient Care; Patient Care

Central Study Contacts

BURCU VURAL

CONTACT

+905389507278; burcuvural97@gmail.com

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER GOV
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: December 25, 2025
• First Posted: April 2, 2026
• Study Start: December 1, 2025
• Primary Completion: December 1, 2025
• Study Completion (Estimated): December 1, 2026
• Last Updated: April 2, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Locations

TU (1)