Effects of relaxation training on pain and social participation in women with headaches

Investigation Of The Effect Of Progressive Relaxation Training On Pain Characteristics, Attack Frequency, Perception Of Activity Self-Efficiency And Social Participation In Women With Tension-Type Headache And Migraine

Not applicable Interventional Hacettepe University · NCT06050382

This study is testing whether relaxation training can help women with tension-type headaches and migraines feel less pain and get more involved in social activities.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 45 Years
SexFemale
SponsorHacettepe University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ankara)
Trial IDNCT06050382 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the impact of progressive relaxation training (PRT) on pain characteristics, attack frequency, activity self-efficacy, and social participation in women suffering from tension-type headaches (TTH) and migraines. A total of 58 women aged 20 to 45 will participate in two separate PRT sessions tailored for each headache type, conducted by a physiotherapist twice a week for six weeks. Pre- and post-training assessments will evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on the participants' quality of life and social engagement.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 20 to 45 diagnosed with tension-type headaches or migraines.

Not a fit: Patients with cervical region pathologies, mental disorders, or those who have recently undergone physical therapy targeting the cervical area may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce headache-related pain and improve social participation for women affected by TTH and migraines.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown positive outcomes with relaxation techniques for headache management, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* the ages of 20 and 45,
* having a diagnosis of TTH or migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD-II)(1), and
* expressing voluntary willingness to participate in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

* having any pathology involving the cervical region such as disc herniation, radiculopathy, a history of surgery, tumor, or cyst,
* having received any form of physical therapy targeting the cervical region within the past 3 months,
* being pregnant or in the menopausal phase; not participating in at least 15% of the training sessions,
* having a mental disorder (being diagnosed with depression or using antidepressant medication),
* having a chronic, neurological, or rheumatic disorder; suffering from sinusitis, and being on continuous prophylactic medication for migraines

Where this trial is running

Ankara

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pain, ChronicMigraine DisordersTension-Type Headachepainwomenprogressive relaxation trainingparticipation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.