Manual therapy for tension-type headache in premenopausal and menopausal women
Official title: Comparison of the Effect of Manuel Therapy on Tension Type Headache in Menopausal and Premenopasual Women
Run by Necmettin Erbakan University · NCT07477483 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We will test whether manual therapy can reduce pain and improve function in premenopausal and menopausal women with tension-type headache.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 45 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Necmettin Erbakan University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Konya, Konya) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 2026 |
| Study ends | May 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07477483 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are women aged 45–65 with a clinical diagnosis of tension-type headache, HIT-6 score ≥ 49, premenopausal or menopausal status, able to attend in-person sessions, and not using hormonal therapy or having prior cervical surgery or neurological disease.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are male, have other primary headache types (for example migraine), are on hormonal therapy, have a history of cervical surgery or neurological disease, are pregnant, or cannot attend treatment sessions are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will apply manual therapy (soft tissue techniques, cervical mobilization, and therapeutic exercises) to women aged 45–65 diagnosed with tension-type headache and compare responses between premenopausal and menopausal participants. Outcomes measured before and after the intervention include headache intensity (VAS), headache-related disability (HIT-6), pressure pain threshold (algometer), cervical range of motion (goniometer), sleep quality (PSQI), and health-related quality of life (SF-36). Participants must meet inclusion criteria such as HIT-6 ≥ 49 and must not be using hormonal therapy or have a history of cervical surgery or neurological disease. All treatments and assessments are delivered in person at Necmettin Erbakan University in Konya, Turkey.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lower headache pain and related disability and improve sleep and quality of life for women with tension-type headache.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials of manual therapy and neck-targeted exercises have shown modest reductions in tension-type headache pain and frequency, but direct comparisons by menopausal status are largely novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Female participants aged between 45 and 65 years. * Diagnosis of tension-type headache. * Premenopausal or menopausal status. * HIT-6 score of 49 or higher. * Willingness to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Use of hormone therapy. * History of cervical surgery. * History of neurological disease. * Pregnancy. * Inability to understand questionnaire forms. * Failure to attend treatment sessions.
Where it's running
-
Necmettin Erbakan Univesity Faculty of Health Sciences
Konya, Konya, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Neslihan Altuntaş Yılmaz, PhD — Necmettin Erbakan University
- Study coordinator: Ayça Seda Yıldırımer, PT, MSc
- Email: aycaseda29@gmail.com
- Phone: +90 507 409 08 99
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Magnesium sulfate for acute non-traumatic headache in the ED: 2 g vs 4 g vs standard paracetamol
This study tests whether intravenous magnesium sulfate given in different doses helps adults with acute non-traumatic headache in the emergency department, compared with paracetamol.
-
BioTenCer: a body-friendly biofeedback app to prevent tension-type headaches
This trial tests a therapist-free smartphone biofeedback app (Cerebri-TTH) to see if it can prevent frequent or chronic tension-type headaches in adults.
-
Using virtual reality to teach relaxation techniques for kids with headaches
This study is testing if virtual reality can help kids with chronic headaches learn relaxation techniques to feel better and have fewer headaches.
-
Carotid sinus massage with head-down (Trendelenburg) positioning for headache relief
This trial tests whether carotid sinus massage while lying with your head lower than your feet can relieve migraine or tension-type headaches that started within the last 24 hours.
-
Dance-therapy and Chronic Pain in Adolescents
This study tests whether dance-therapy, along with art-therapy and yoga, can help adolescents with chronic pain feel less pain and anxiety and improve mood.
-
International Headache Registry
This study is collecting information from people aged 4 to 99 who have headaches or related conditions to see how these issues affect their health and treatment over time.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.