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NCT Number: NCT06475248

Influence of Osteopathic Intervention on Cervical Muscles in Tension Headaches in Women

This study aims to understand whether there is any relationship between the intervention on the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and suboccipital muscles in patients with chronic tension headaches.

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Key information

Conditions

Tension Headaches Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Headache Disorders Headache Disorders, Primary Nervous System Diseases Tension-Type Headache

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

Female

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Escola Superior da Saúde do Porto

Porto, 4200-072, Portugal

Location contact

Natália MO Campelo, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

938 674 365 ext. +351

About this study

It is expected to find an improvement in the symptoms and frequency of tension headaches.

In this study, the investigators intend to see the effects of trapezius and sternocleidomastoid "stretching techniques", and "suboccipital inhibition" on tension headaches. To collect data, volunteers were asked to fill out the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6).

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Tension headaches;
  • Being over eighteen years of age;

Exclusion criteria

  • Loss of mobility of cervical;
  • Cervical and shoulder pain during episodes;
  • Other headaches (migraine, cervicogenic headache...)
  • Other interventions and/or pharmacological treatment a few days before the intervention;
  • Epilepsy;
  • Trauma.

Treatment and study plan

Placebo technique

Other

For the technique performed in the control group, the researcher will come into contact with the volunteers' chests. This contact will be maintained for the same period of time as the experimental group (6 minutes).

Stretching technique

Other

"Stretching technique" for the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid: the volunteer will be in supine position on the couch, the researcher will perform the technique from the contralateral side of the muscle to be treated, the hand will contact the ipsilateral shoulder to stabilize, meanwhile, with the other hand, contact the upper trapezius and perform a rhythmic pull in contralateral rotation. This technique is performed bilaterally.

Inhibition of the suboccipital

Other

"Inhibition of the suboccipital": the participant is in the supine position, the researcher will position himself behind the patients head. In this technique, contacts will be made on the suboccipital area with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th fingers of both hands. Make a slight pull with your body backwards and wait that there is relaxation of muscular tensions.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in the intensity and frequency of pain after the three treatment sessions;

    Time frame: One month after the first intervention

    The scale Hit-6 will be the instrument used to evaluate the level the intensity and frequency of tension headache. This instrument consists of six questions about the characteristics of headaches, with each question presenting five choices. The answers range from never to always. This data will be collected immediately before the first investigation and one month after the first evaluation, through the volunteers filling out the scale.

Study contacts

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

Natália MO Campelo, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+35122 206 1000

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Porto

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Influence of Osteopathic Intervention on Cervical Muscles in Tension Headaches in Women: Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jun 26, 2024
Registry last updated
Jun 25, 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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