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NCT Number: NCT07820280

"Effectiveness of Kaltenborn Mobilization Techniques Versus Maitland Mobilization on Management of Cervicogenic Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial."

EFFECTIVENESS OF KALTENBORN MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES VERSUS MAITLAND MOBILIZATION ON MANAGEMENT OF CERVICOGENIC HEADACHE

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Key information

Conditions

Cervicogenic Headache Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Headache Disorders Headache Disorders, Secondary Nervous System Diseases Post-Traumatic Headache

Age range

18 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ibadat International University

Islamabad, 47000, Pakistan

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Shafaq Abbasi, MS-MSK

CONTACT

[email protected]

03060985024

About this study

This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effectiveness of Kaltenborn and Maitland mobilization techniques in individuals with cervicogenic headache. The study will assess the effects of both interventions on pain intensity, cervical range of motion, neck disability, and headache-related disability. A total of 44 participants aged 18-40 years with clinically confirmed cervicogenic headache will be randomly allocated into two groups. Both groups will receive baseline physiotherapy treatment, while Group A will receive Kaltenborn mobilization and Group B will receive Maitland mobilization for 8 weeks, with three sessions per week. The findings will help determine which mobilization technique is more effective and provide evidence to guide physiotherapists in the management of cervicogenic headache.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age: 18-40 yrs
  • Gender: male/female
  • Unilateral neck pain and stiffness
  • Cervicogenic headache confirmed with Cervical Flexion Rotation Test
  • Cervical spine ROM>10°
  • Unilateral headache
  • Headache triggered on neck extension

Exclusion criteria

  • Congenital conditions of cervical spine
  • Disc herniation
  • Cervical radiculopathy
  • Myelopathy
  • Cervical fracture/ trauma past 3 months
  • Vestibular dysfunction/ VBI
  • TMJ dysfunction related headache
  • Whiplash injury
  • Other types of headache i-e tension type, migraine or cluster type

Treatment and study plan

Maitland mobilization

Other

Maitland mobilization will consist of passive oscillatory mobilization techniques applied to the symptomatic cervical segments. Mobilization grades I-IV will be selected according to the participant's pain severity, irritability, and limitation of cervical movement. Each mobilization will be performed for 30-60 seconds and repeated for 2-3 sets per affected segment, with the aim of reducing pain and improving cervical joint mobility and range of motion.

Kaltenborn

Other

Kaltenborn mobilization will consist of sustained passive joint mobilization techniques applied to hypomobile cervical segments. Grades I-III mobilizations will be selected according to the participant's pain level, joint mobility, and clinical findings. Each mobilization will be performed for 2-3 sets per affected cervical segment, with the aim of reducing pain, improving joint play, and increasing cervical range of motion.

Primary outcomes

  1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

    Time frame: baseline and after 8 weeks

    The **Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)** is an 11-point scale used to assess pain intensity, ranging from **0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain)**. Participants will be asked to rate their current neck/headache pain by selecting the number that best represents their pain intensity.

  2. Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    Time frame: baseline and after 8 weeks

    The **Neck Disability Index (NDI)** is a standardized questionnaire used to assess neck pain-related disability and its impact on daily activities. It consists of **10 items**, with higher scores indicating greater levels of disability.

  3. Inclinometer to asses ROM

    Time frame: baseline and after 8 weeks

    An **inclinometer** is a reliable measuring device used to assess cervical spine range of motion (ROM). It measures cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation in degrees, allowing objective evaluation of changes in cervical mobility before and after treatment.

  4. Headache Disability Index (HDI)

    Time frame: baseline and after 8 weeks

    The **Headache Disability Index (HDI)** is a standardized questionnaire used to assess the impact of headache on a participant's daily activities and emotional well-being. It evaluates functional and emotional limitations associated with headache, with higher scores indicating greater headache-related disability.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Marium Khalid, MS-OMPT

CONTACT

[email protected]

03341510369

Shafaq Abbasi, MS-MSK

CONTACT

[email protected]

03060985024

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ibadat International University, Islamabad

Other

Registry information

Acronym: Effectiveness

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Sep 15, 2026
Registry last updated
Sep 15, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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