Efficacy of a Multimodal Physiotherapy Program and Mobile-App Guided Meditation in Adults With Frequent or Chronic Tension-Type Headache

Headache pain intensity will be assessed using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS, 0-10), where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates the worst imaginable pain. Participants will record NPRS scores for each headache episode in a structured headache diary throughout the study period (baseline, intervention, and follow-up). Weekly mean NPRS values will be calculated for statistical analysis.

Headache frequency will be assessed as the number of days per week with headache, derived from the structured headache diary completed by participants throughout the study period. A headache day will be defined as any day in which the participant reports the presence of headache, regardless of intensity or duration.

Headache duration will be assessed as the average number of hours per headache episode, derived from the structured headache diary completed by participants throughout the study period. A headache episode will be defined as a continuous period of headache separated by at least 24 hours without pain. The mean duration per episode will be calculated for analysis.

Headache-related disability will be assessed using the Headache Disability Inventory (HDI), which includes total and subscale scores (emotional and functional). Higher scores indicate greater headache-related disability.

Headache impact will be assessed using the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), a validated questionnaire that measures the impact of headache on daily functioning and quality of life. Scores range from 36 to 78, with higher scores indicating greater impact.

Depressive symptoms will be assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), a validated self-report questionnaire with scores ranging from 0 to 63. Higher scores indicate greater severity of depressive symptoms.

Perceived stress will be assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), a validated self-report questionnaire with scores ranging from 0 to 40. Higher scores indicate greater perceived stress.

Mindfulness will be assessed using the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-39), a validated self-report instrument that evaluates five dimensions of mindfulness. Total and subscale scores will be analyzed, with higher scores indicating greater levels of mindfulness.

Health-related quality of life will be assessed using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), a validated questionnaire that evaluates eight domains of perceived health. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating better perceived health status.

Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated self-report questionnaire that evaluates sleep quality over the past month. The global score ranges from 0 to 21, with higher values indicating poorer sleep quality.

Insomnia severity will be assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), a validated self-report questionnaire that evaluates the nature, severity, and impact of insomnia. The total score ranges from 0 to 28, with higher values indicating greater insomnia severity.

The number of active and latent myofascial trigger points will be assessed bilaterally in the upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, temporalis, masseter, suboccipital, and splenius capitis muscles, following established diagnostic criteria. Trigger points will be classified as active if they reproduce the participant's usual pain pattern or latent if not recognized as familiar. The total number of trigger points will be recorded for analysis. Assessments will be performed by the principal investigator following standardized and predefined procedures. Blinding is not feasible due to the study design.

Pressure pain thresholds (PPT) will be measured bilaterally at one trigeminal point (temporal muscle), one extratrigeminal point (C5-C6 zygapophyseal joint), and two remote points (second metacarpal and tibialis anterior) using a calibrated electronic algometer. The pressure at which the sensation changes from pressure to pain will be recorded. Three measurements will be taken at each point, and the mean value will be used for analysis. Assessments will be performed by the principal investigator following standardized and predefined procedures. Blinding is not feasible due to the study design.

Active cervical range of motion (CROM) will be assessed using the CROM device (Performance Attainment Associates, MN, USA), which measures flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation in both the global and upper cervical spine. Two measurements will be taken for each movement, and the mean value will be used for analysis. Assessments will be performed by the principal investigator following standardized and predefined procedures. Blinding is not feasible due to the study design.

Global perceived improvement will be assessed using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I), a 7-point Likert scale that evaluates the participant's perception of overall change after the intervention. Scores range from 1 (very much improved) to 7 (very much worse).

Expectation of improvement will be assessed before treatment using a single 10-point Likert scale. Participants will rate the question: "How much do you think this treatment will help your headache?", where 1 indicates "not at all" and 10 indicates "very much". This variable will be analyzed as a potential covariate or predictor of treatment response.