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NCT Number: NCT07518108

The Role Of Fascia And Breathing Exercises In The Treatment Of Cervicogenic Headache

This study aims to investigate the effect of specific exercise programs on individuals suffering from cervicogenic headaches, a type of headache originating from neck problems. While traditional physiotherapy is the standard approach, this research examines whether the addition of specific "fascia-focused" exercises or "breathing exercises" provides improved relief.

Fascia is a thin, protective membrane layer surrounding every muscle and organ in the body. In this study, participants will be divided into three groups. All participants will receive standard neck exercises and posture training. One group will perform dynamic exercises targeting the body's connective tissue (fascia) to improve flexibility and coordination. Another group will practice specific breathing techniques to help reduce muscle tension and stress-related triggers. The exercises will be administered to participants for 12 weeks.

It is expected that fascia exercises and breathing exercises will have positive effects on headaches as a result of the applied treatments.

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Key information

Conditions

Cervicogenic Headache Brain Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Headache Disorders Headache Disorders, Secondary Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Post-Traumatic Headache Signs and Symptoms

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Sehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital

Istanbul, 34785, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location contact

Merve N CAN, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905309421498

About this study

This study is designed as a prospective, three-arm, randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of different exercise-based interventions in individuals with cervicogenic headache (CGH). CGH is a secondary headache resulting from dysfunction of the cervical spine and related structures, typically characterized by neck pain and restricted cervical mobility.

Participants diagnosed with CGH according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-3) criteria will be recruited from a physical therapy and rehabilitation clinic setting. Following informed consent, eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of three study arms.

All participants will receive a standard physiotherapy program consisting of patient education and therapeutic exercises targeting cervical function. In addition to the basic protocol, intervention groups will receive either exercises that activate the thoracolumbar fascia or specific breathing exercises.

The primary outcome measure is the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6). In addition, pain intensity, functional status, quality of life, and psychological status will be assessed using validated clinical instruments. Thoracolumbar fascia thickness will be evaluated using ultrasonography at predefined time points using a standardized measurement protocol to assess structural changes associated with the interventions.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 18-60 years
  • Diagnosis of cervicogenic headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3)
  • Headache duration of at least 3 months
  • Presence of headache associated with cervical movement limitation or provoked by neck movement
  • Pain intensity of ≥3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline
  • Ability to understand and comply with the study procedures
  • Willingness to participate and provision of written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of other primary headache disorders (e.g., migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache)
  • Diagnosis of rheumatologic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus)
  • Serious cervical spine pathologies (e.g., cervical myelopathy, spinal stenosis)
  • Presence of neurological deficits or central nervous system disorders
  • Received physical therapy for the cervical region within the past 3 months
  • Severe psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment that may interfere with participation
  • Pregnancy
  • Cardiopulmonary conditions contraindicating exercise
  • Musculoskeletal disorders that may interfere with exercise adherence

Treatment and study plan

Thoracolumbar Fascia Exercise

Other

The exercise program will consist of mobility, activation, and stabilization exercises targeting the thoracolumbar fascia. The intervention is designed to improve fascial mobility, enhance force transmission, and optimize neuromuscular coordination of the trunk. Exercises will be performed under supervision, consisting of three sessions per week for twelve weeks.

Breathing exercise

Other

The breathing exercise program will consist of techniques focusing on diaphragmatic breathing and breath control. This intervention aims to improve breathing patterns, increase respiratory efficiency, and reduce overactivity of accessory muscles. The exercises will be performed under supervision, three sessions per week for twelve weeks.

conventional treatment

Other

Participants in this group will receive a single initial session of conventional treatment, including postural education, cervical range of motion exercises, and stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the cervical and surrounding musculature. Following this session, participants will be prescribed a structured home exercise program to be performed independently for 12 weeks without supervised sessions. Participants will be asked to adhere to the home program throughout the intervention period. Outcome assessments will be conducted at baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention), and 24 weeks (follow-up).

Other names: Control

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) score from baseline to 12 weeks (post-intervention)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention)

    The Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) is a validated 6-item questionnaire used to assess the impact of headache on daily life. Scores range from 36 to 78, with higher scores indicating greater headache-related disability.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in headache frequency recorded by headache diary from baseline to 12 weeks (post-intervention) and 24 weeks (follow-up)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention), and 24 weeks (follow-up)

    Headache frequency will be assessed using a headache diary and recorded as the number of headache days per week based on participant-reported entries.

  2. Change in pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) from baseline to 12 weeks (post-intervention) and 24 weeks (follow-up)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention), and 24 weeks (follow-up)

    The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a validated tool used to assess pain intensity. It consists of a 10 cm scale ranging from "no pain" to "worst imaginable pain," with higher scores indicating greater pain intensity.

  3. Change in neck-related disability measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI) from baseline to 12 weeks (post-intervention) and 24 weeks (follow-up)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention), and 24 weeks (follow-up)

    The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is a validated 10-item questionnaire used to assess neck-related disability and functional limitations. Higher scores indicate greater disability.

  4. Change in quality of life measured by the WHOQOL-BREF from baseline to 12 weeks (post-intervention) and 24 weeks (follow-up)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention), and 24 weeks (follow-up)

    The WHOQOL-BREF is a validated questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization to assess quality of life across four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. It consists of 26 items, with higher scores indicating better quality of life.

  5. Change in Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) score from baseline to 24 weeks (follow-up)

    Time frame: Baseline, 24 weeks (follow-up)

    The Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) is a validated 6-item questionnaire used to assess the impact of headache on daily life. Scores range from 36 to 78, with higher scores indicating greater headache-related disability.

  6. Changes in depression scores as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention), and 24 weeks (follow-up)

    Depression levels will be assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Higher scores indicate greater depressive symptoms.

  7. Change in thoracolumbar fascia thickness measured by ultrasound

    Time frame: Baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention), and 24 weeks (follow-up)

    Ultrasound imaging will be used to assess thoracolumbar fascia thickness at predefined anatomical landmarks using a standardized measurement protocol. Measurements will be performed with participants in a standardized position using a linear transducer, and the mean of repeated measurements will be recorded in millimeters. Higher or lower values will be interpreted according to change over time and between-group comparisons.

Study contacts

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

Merve N CAN, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905309421498

Pelin YILDIRIM, MD

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905323801078

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Sehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Role Of Fascia And Breathing Exercises In The Treatment Of Cervicogenic Headache: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 8, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 22, 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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