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

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.

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