Physical Profile of Cervicogenic Headache: Comparison With Neck Pain and Healthy Controls
Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot listed
Trial typeObservational
Biological sexAll
Age25-60
SponsorIstanbul Medipol University Hospital
About this trial
The goal of this observational study is to compare physical findings across three adult groups. Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a headache linked to a problem in the neck. Neck pain may affect posture, muscle function, grip strength, and sensitivity to pressure. Researchers do not know whether CGH has a distinct pattern of these findings.
The main questions are:
* Do posture, grip strength, muscle stiffness, elasticity, and pressure sensitivity differ among the groups? * Are any differences more closely associated with CGH than with neck pain?
Researchers will compare adults ages 25 through 60. One group will include people with CGH lasting at least three months. Another group will include people with neck pain lasting at least six months. People in the neck pain group will have no headaches. Healthy participants will have no neck pain or headaches.
Researchers will not provide treatment or change participants' usual care. Each participant will complete one study visit lasting about 15 minutes. Participants will:
* Answer short questions about their health and pain * Stand while researchers measure their head and neck posture * Squeeze a device that measures grip strength * Complete brief tests of neck muscle stiffness and elasticity * Tell researchers when applied pressure first becomes painful
Researchers will compare results across the three groups. The findings may guide future CGH assessment and treatment research.
Eligibility criteria
This trial accepts healthy volunteersQualifiers
Aged 25 to 60 years
Able to provide written informed consent
Cervicogenic headache: physician diagnosis according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition, with symptoms lasting at least 3 months
Chronic nonspecific neck pain: neck pain lasting at least 6 months without headache
Disqualifiers
Receipt of physiotherapy for headache or neck pain during the previous 6 months
Diagnosis of a headache disorder other than cervicogenic headache, including migraine or tension-type headache, or a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia
History of cervical spine surgery or significant cervical trauma
Current or previous diagnosis of a tumor or cancer
Trial population
The study population consists of adults aged 25-60 years recruited at the study site in Istanbul, Türkiye. Participants are classified into three groups according to predefined clinical criteria. The cervicogenic headache group includes individuals diagnosed by a physician according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. The chronic nonspecific neck pain group includes individuals with neck pain lasting at least 6 months and no headache. The healthy control group includes individuals without neck pain or headache. Participants receive no study intervention and complete one questionnaire-based and instrument-based assessment session.
Trial design
Design model
Case-control
Time perspective
Cross-sectional
Treatments tested in this trial
Not listed
Trial groups
135 Participants
are grouped into 3 trial groupsGroup A: Cervicogenic Headache Group
Group B: Chronic Nonspescific Neck Pain Group
Group C: Healthy Control Group
Trial outcomes
Primary outcomes
1
Bilateral Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness
Upper trapezius muscle stiffness will be assessed bilaterally using the MyotonPRO device. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained at the midpoint between the C7 spinous process and the lateral border of the acromion. The mean of the three measurements will be used. Stiffness will be expressed in newtons per meter (N/m), with higher values indicating greater stiffness.
Time frame
During the single assessment session at enrollment2
Bilateral Upper Trapezius Logarithmic Decrement
Upper trapezius logarithmic decrement will be assessed bilaterally using the MyotonPRO device at the same standardized measurement site. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained on each side, and their mean will be used. Logarithmic decrement is a dimensionless inverse indicator of tissue elasticity, with lower values indicating greater elasticity.
Time frame
During the single assessment session at enrollmentSecondary outcomes
1
Bilateral Handgrip Strength
Bilateral handgrip strength will be measured using a Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer set to the second handle position. Participants will perform three maximal contractions with each hand in a standardized seated position. The highest value for each hand will be recorded in kilograms, with higher values indicating greater handgrip strength.
Time frame
During the single assessment session at enrollment2
Bilateral Upper Trapezius Pressure Pain Threshold
Pressure pain threshold will be measured bilaterally over the upper trapezius using a handheld pressure algometer with a 1-cm² probe. The measurement site will be the midpoint between the C7 spinous process and the lateral border of the acromion. Pressure will gradually increase until the participant first reports pain. Values will be recorded in kg/cm², with higher values indicating a higher pressure pain threshold.
Time frame
During the single assessment session at enrollment3
Bilateral Suboccipital Pressure Pain Threshold
Pressure pain threshold will be measured bilaterally over the suboccipital region using a handheld pressure algometer with a 1-cm² probe. The measurement site will be located 2 cm lateral to the C2 spinous process. Pressure will gradually increase until the participant first reports pain. Values will be recorded in kg/cm², with higher values indicating a higher pressure pain threshold.
Time frame
During the single assessment session at enrollment4
Tragus-to-Wall Distance
Tragus-to-wall distance will be measured in millimeters using a tape measure. Participants will stand with their heels, sacrum, and thoracic spine resting comfortably against a wall while maintaining a natural head position. The distance between the wall and the tragus will be recorded. Greater distances indicate greater forward positioning of the head.
Time frame
During the single assessment session at enrollmentSponsors and contacts
Click on the lead sponsor to view all of their trials.
Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
Lead sponsor
Istanbul Kent University
Sponsor institution
Istanbul Kent University
Collaborator
Source ClinicalTrials.gov