NCT07518108

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

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

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 72 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Sehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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

Detailed description

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 medicine and rehabilitation clinical setting. Following informed consent, eligible participants will be randomly allocated to one of the three study arms. All participants will receive a standardized physiotherapy program comprising patient education and therapeutic exercises targeting cervical function. In addition to the baseline protocol, the intervention groups will receive either thoracolumbar fascia-activating exercises or specific breathing exercises. The primary outcome measure is the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6). Additionally, pain intensity, functional status, quality of life, and psychological status will be assessed using validated clinical instruments.

Conditions

• Cervicogenic Headache

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Thoracolumbar Fascia Exercise	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 eight weeks.
OTHER	Breathing Exercise	The breathing exercise program will consist of techniques focusing on diaphragmatic breathing and respiratory control. This intervention aims to improve breathing patterns, enhance respiratory efficiency, and reduce accessory muscle overactivity. Exercises will be performed under supervision, consisting of three sessions per week for eight weeks.
OTHER	Conventional treatment	Participants in this group will receive conventional physiotherapy treatment, including postural education, cervical range of motion exercises, stretching, and strengthening exercises targeting the cervical and surrounding musculature.Exercises will be performed under supervision, consisting of three sessions per week for eight weeks.Participants will be followed for outcome assessments at baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-04-15
• Primary completion: 2026-07-15
• Completion: 2026-07-30
• First posted: 2026-04-08
• Last updated: 2026-04-08

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)