Eye–neck retraining versus pressure biofeedback for cervicogenic headache
Comparative Effects Of Eye-Cervical Re-Education Exercises And Pressure Biofeedback Training Of Deep Cervical Flexors In Cervicogenic Headache
This project tests whether eye‑cervical re‑education exercises or pressure biofeedback training of deep neck muscles works better to reduce cervicogenic headaches in adults with neck‑related headaches.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 34 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Foundation University Islamabad Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad, Punjab Province) |
| Trial ID | NCT07526025 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The trial compares two physiotherapy approaches for cervicogenic headache: eye‑cervical re‑education exercises versus pressure biofeedback training of the deep cervical flexors, delivered alongside a conventional physical therapy protocol. Conventional care includes heat, cervical isometrics, and SNAG mobilizations, while the eye‑cervical program focuses on ocular mobility, cervical mobility, and eye–neck coordination. The biofeedback program uses a pressure sensor under the occiput during graded supine head‑nodding to retrain deep neck flexors. The study enrolls adults with unilateral neck pain and headache provoked by neck movement, and measures changes in headache reproduction, cervical mobility, and sensorimotor control.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–45 with unilateral neck pain and referred headache provoked by neck movement, a positive cervical flexion‑rotation test, and restricted upper cervical mobility are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with other headache types (migraine, tension headache), cervical radiculopathy, vestibular or certain visual disorders, prior neck surgery/instability, inflammatory bone disease, or systemic spinal conditions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, one of these targeted exercise programs could provide a noninvasive way to reduce neck‑related headache frequency and improve neck movement control.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research supports benefit from deep cervical flexor training and from sensorimotor/proprioceptive retraining for cervicogenic headache, but direct head‑to‑head comparisons between these specific programs are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 to 45 years * Both genders * Unilateral neck pain and referred headache * Headache is precipitated by neck movements or sustained positions. * Positive cervical flexion rotation test * Headache reproduced with provocation of the involved upper cervical segments. * Restricted upper cervical segmental mobility. Exclusion Criteria: * • Cervical radiculopathy * Known or suspected vestibular disorders such as BBPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), vestibular neuritis, meniere's disease, labyrinthitis * Visual problems such as occipital neuralgia * History of traumatic neck injury/surgery or cervical instability * Rheumatoid arthritis * Osteoporosis * Metabolic disorders * Spinal infection or tumors * Vertebrobasilar insufficiency * Other headache types such as tension headache, migraine etc
Where this trial is running
Islamabad, Punjab Province
- Foundation University College of Physical Therapy — Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maira Tafzeel, DPT — Foundation University Islamabad
- Study coordinator: Maira Tafzeel, DPT
- Email: myratafzeel10@gmail.com
- Phone: 0331-5955848
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.