Effect of Kinesio Taping Combined With Postural Correction on Improving Tension-Type Headache Among University Students

Deraya University52 enrolled

Overview

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.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Headache Disorders Forward Head Posture Muscle Tension

Interventions

Postural Correction and SMI ProgramOTHER

Deep neck flexor exercises, suboccipital muscle inhibition, and ergonomic education performed twice weekly for four weeks.

Kinesio Taping Combined with Postural Correction and SMIOTHER

Same as the control program with addition of Kinesio Taping to cervical and trapezius muscles.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 25 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * University students aged 18-25 years * Diagnosed with tension-type headache per ICHD-3 criteria * At least 10 headache episodes per month for \>3 months * Pericranial muscle tenderness (suboccipital, temporalis, upper trapezius) * Craniovertebral angle \< 50° Exclusion Criteria: * Migraine or cluster headaches * Recent neck trauma or surgery * Skin allergy or sensitivity to tape * Current use of medications affecting pain perception Cervical radiculopathy or neurological deficits

Locations (1)

Deraya university, faculty of physical therapy

Minya, Menia Governorate, Egypt

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

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

Secondary Outcomes

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

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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