An interventional study of Postural Correction and Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition and Kinesio Taping + Postural Correction and SMI in Headache Disorders, Forward Head Posture and Muscle Tension, sponsored by Deraya University. Completed at 1 site in Egypt. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 25 Years. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-08-28.
Sponsored by Deraya University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of combining Kinesio Taping (KT) with postural correction exercises and suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI) in managing tension-type headaches (TTH) among university students. The intervention's impact on headache intensity, frequency, and functional limitations will be compared with a control group performing postural correction and SMI alone.
Tension-type headache (TTH) is a common primary headache associated with muscular tension, poor posture, and psychological stress. Physiotherapy interventions including deep neck flexor exercises, suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI), and postural education have been shown to reduce pain and improve posture.
Kinesio Taping (KT) has been proposed as an adjunct that enhances proprioception, reduces muscle tension, and supports cervical alignment.
This randomized controlled trial will recruit 52 university students aged 18-25 years diagnosed with frequent episodic TTH according to ICHD-3 criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups:
Group A (Control): Postural correction + SMI Group B (Experimental): Kinesio Taping + Postural correction + SMI
Both groups will receive two treatment sessions per week for 4 weeks.
Assessments will be performed at baseline, after 4 weeks of treatment, and at a 1-month follow-up using validated measures for pain, frequency, and posture.
145 studies on the registry are indexed under Headache Disorders; 37 are open to participants now.
This study's enrollment of 52 is below the median of 60 across 98 interventional studies indexed under Headache Disorders.
Browse Headache Disorders studies →Deraya University is the lead sponsor of 50 studies on the registry; 6 are open to participants now.
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Exclusion Criteria:
Participants will receive a postural correction program consisting of: Deep neck flexor strengthening exercises (chin tucks, progressive resistance) Suboccipital muscle inhibition (manual pressure to release muscle tension) Ergonomic and postural education for studying and daily activities Two sessions per week for 4 weeks.
Other: Postural Correction and Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition
Participants will receive the same postural correction program as the control group with the addition of Kinesio Taping: Kinesio Tape applied to cervical spine and upper trapezius to enhance proprioception and reduce strain. Two sessions per week for 4 weeks.
Other: Kinesio Taping + Postural Correction and SMI
Deep neck flexor exercises, suboccipital muscle inhibition, and ergonomic education performed twice weekly for four weeks.
Same as the control program with addition of Kinesio Taping to cervical and trapezius muscles.
Headache Intensity
Measurement Tool: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) / Numeric Pain Rating Scale Self-reported headache pain intensity (0-10 scale).
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks post-intervention, 1-month follow-up
Headache Frequency
Measurement Tool: Headache Diary Number of headache days per month recorded by participants.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks post-intervention, 1-month follow-up
Headache Impact
Measurement Tool: Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) Description: Assesses the effect of headaches on daily life and function.
Time frame: Baseline, 4 weeks post-intervention, 1-month follow-up
Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT)
Measurement Tool: Pressure Algometer Description: Measures pericranial muscle tenderness.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention
Craniovertebral Angle (CVA)
Measurement Tool: Goniometer / Digital Photogrammetry Description: Quantifies forward head posture; increased angle indicates improvement.
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks post-intervention
Plan to share: No
This study is completed, as verified in Aug 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.
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Deraya University