Neck-Shoulder Region Training for Chronic Headache in Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Chronic headache is a prevalent condition affecting quality of life.
• Neck-shoulder pain and disability are often associated with chronic headaches.
• Effective non-pharmacological interventions are needed for managing chronic headache.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a progressive neck-shoulder exercise program on headache intensity, frequency, and duration.
• To assess the impact of this exercise program on neck disability in women with chronic headache.
• To compare the effects of the exercise program against a control intervention.

Main Methods:

• A two-center randomized controlled trial involving 116 working-age women with chronic headache.
• The intervention group (n=57) completed a 6-month home-based progressive exercise program.
• The control group (n=59) received placebo transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) sessions; both groups performed stretching exercises.

Main Results:

• Headache frequency significantly decreased by almost half in the exercise group compared to the control group (p=0.017).
• No significant between-group differences were observed in headache intensity or duration.
• The exercise group demonstrated a greater improvement in neck disability scores (Neck Disability Index).

Conclusions:

• A progressive exercise program for the neck-shoulder region can effectively reduce headache frequency in women with chronic headache.
• This exercise intervention also leads to significant improvements in neck disability.
• The neck-shoulder exercise program is a recommended treatment option for managing chronic headaches.