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NCT Number: NCT07574112

Muscle Energy Technique With And Without Myofascial Release in Patients With Cervicogenic Headache

This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) with and without Myofascial Release (MFR) in patients with cervicogenic headache. Forty participants aged 20-40 years were randomly assigned into two groups: MET only and MET combined with MFR. The intervention was delivered over five sessions across two weeks. Outcomes included pain intensity (VAS), cervical range of motion, and disability (Neck Disability Index), assessed at baseline and post-intervention. The study evaluated which intervention produced greater improvements in pain, function, and cervical mobility.

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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

20 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

University of Lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

About this study

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the effects of Muscle Energy Technique (MET) with and without Myofascial Release (MFR) in patients with cervicogenic headache. Cervicogenic headache is a secondary headache arising from dysfunctions of the cervical spine and associated muscular structures.

A total of 40 participants aged between 20 and 40 years were recruited and randomly allocated into two equal groups. Group A received Muscle Energy Technique alone, while Group B received a combination of Muscle Energy Technique and Myofascial Release. The intervention was delivered over five treatment sessions within a period of two weeks.

Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), cervical range of motion measured with a goniometer, and functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Assessments were performed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period.

The objective of the study was to determine whether the addition of Myofascial Release to Muscle Energy Technique provides superior improvements in pain reduction, cervical mobility, and functional disability compared to Muscle Energy Technique alone in patients with cervicogenic headache.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Participants aged 20 to 40 years
  • Diagnosed with cervicogenic headache
  • Both male and female participants
  • Participants willing to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

  • History of cervical fracture or surgery
  • Neurological disorders affecting the cervical region
  • Severe cervical spine pathology
  • Participants receiving other forms of manual therapy

Treatment and study plan

Muscle Energy Technique (MET)

Procedure

Muscle Energy Technique (MET) was applied to the cervical region muscles using isometric contractions followed by passive stretching. The technique was performed in a controlled manner to improve muscle flexibility, reduce pain, and enhance cervical mobility over five treatment sessions within two weeks.

Other names: Muscle Energy Technique

Myofascial Release (MFR)

Procedure

Sustained manual pressure applied to cervical and upper trapezius muscles to release fascial restrictions.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity (Viscual Analogue Scale)

    Time frame: Baseline and 2 weeks post-intervention

    Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). The scale ranges from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 indicates worst possible pain. Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Cervical Range of Motion

    Time frame: Baseline and 2 weeks post-intervention

    Cervical range of motion was assessed using a goniometer to measure flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation of the cervical spine.

  2. Neck Disability Measured by Neck Disability Index (NDI)

    Time frame: Baseline and 2 weeks post-intervention

    Functional disability was assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). The scale ranges from 0 to 50, where higher scores indicate greater disability related to neck pain.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Lahore

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
May 7, 2026
Registry last updated
May 12, 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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