Osteopathic manipulation versus physiotherapy for cervicocranial symptoms
Comparative Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment and Standard Physiotherapy on Dizziness, Headache Impact, Neck Disability, and Psychological Stress in Patients With Cervicocranial Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This will test whether osteopathic manipulative treatment or standard physiotherapy reduces dizziness, headaches, and neck pain better in adults with cervicocranial dysfunction.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | International Osteopathic Academy, Milan Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Pristina, Pejton) |
| Trial ID | NCT07555873 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Adults with cervicocranial dysfunction are randomly assigned to receive either osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) or standard physiotherapy over a defined treatment period. Trained therapists deliver the assigned interventions according to protocol and outcomes are measured before and after the treatment course. Primary measures include dizziness intensity, headache impact, and neck disability, and psychological stress is recorded as a secondary outcome. The randomized design is intended to provide a direct comparison of the two hands-on treatment approaches for symptom relief and functional improvement.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with at least three months of cervicocranial symptoms (neck pain with or without headache and dizziness related to neck movement) who can complete questionnaires and provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with clinically confirmed vestibular disorders, central neurological disease, recent severe cervical trauma, prior cervical spine surgery, or other major exclusion criteria are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose the most effective hands-on treatment to reduce dizziness, headache, and neck-related disability.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies suggest manual therapies can improve cervicogenic headache and neck pain, but direct randomized comparisons between osteopathic manipulation and standard physiotherapy remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants will be eligible for inclusion in the study if they meet the following criteria: * Age between 18 and 65 years. * Presence of cervicocranial symptoms for at least three months, indicating a chronic condition. * Neck pain with or without associated headache. * Dizziness associated with neck movement or cervical position. * Clinical findings consistent with cervicocranial dysfunction, based on clinical examination. * Ability to understand and complete standardized clinical questionnaires used in the study. * Willingness to participate in the study and provision of written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Participants will be excluded from the study if they present with any of the following conditions: * Clinically confirmed vestibular disorders. * Central neurological disorders that may influence dizziness or balance. * Recent severe trauma to the cervical spine. * History of cervical spine surgery. * Systemic inflammatory diseases or serious spinal pathologies. * Presence of red flags related to the cervical spine identified during clinical screening. * Participation in concurrent intensive physiotherapy or rehabilitation treatment during the study period.
Where this trial is running
Pristina, Pejton
- Imperium Medical Clinic — Pristina, Pejton, Kosovo (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Burim Peli, Phd cand.
- Email: burimpeli@hotmail.com
- Phone: +38349600053
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.