NCT04609709 · Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture
HVLAT, Electric DN, Exercise Vs. Mobilization, STM, Exercise, TENS for Tension Type Headaches
What this study is about
The purpose of this research is to compare two different approaches for treating patients with tension-type headaches: thrust Manipulation, electric dry Needling and exercise Vs. non-thrust mobilization, soft-tissue mobilization, exercise and TENS. Physical therapists commonly use all of these techniques to treat tension-type headaches.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this research is to compare two different approaches for treating patients with tension-type headaches: thrust Manipulation, electric dry Needling and exercise Vs. non-thrust mobilization, soft-tissue mobilization, exercise and TENS. Physical therapists commonly use all of these techniques to treat tension-type headaches. This study is attempting to find out if one treatment strategy is more effective than the other.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Patient must be between 18 and 65 years old and report ALL YES under one of the Tension-type Headaches described below: 2.2 Frequent Episodic Tension-type Headaches: Frequent episodes of headache, typically bilateral, pressing or tightening in quality and of mild to moderate intensity, lasting minutes to days. The pain does not worsen with routine physical activity and is not associated with nausea, but photophobia or phonophobia may be present.
- At least 10 episodes of headache occurring on 1- 14 days per month on average for \>3 months (12 and \<180 days per year)
- Headache lasting from 30 minutes to 7 days
- Patient has headaches that have at least two of the following four characteristics:
- Bilateral location
- Pressing or tightening (non-pulsating) quality
- Mild or moderate intensity
- Not aggravated by routine physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs
- Both of the following are true:
- No nausea or vomiting
- No more than one of photophobia or phonophobia 2.2.1 Frequent Episodic Tension-type Headache associated with pericranial tenderness
- Episodes fulfilling criteria for Frequent episodic tension-type headache (See 2.2 above)
- Increased pericranial tenderness on manual palpation. 2.3 Chronic Tension-type Headaches: A disorder evolving from frequent episodic tension-type headache, with daily or very frequent episodes of headache, typically bilateral, pressing or tightening in quality and of mild to moderate intensity, lasting hours to days, or unremitting. The pain does not worsen with routine physical activity, but may be associated with mild nausea, photophobia or phonophobia.
- Headache occurring on 15 days per month on average for \>3 months (180 days per year)
- Headache lasting hours to days, or unremitting
- At least two of the following four characteristics
- Bilateral location
- Pressing or tightening (non-pulsating) quality
- Mild or moderate intensity
- Not aggravated by routine physical activity such as walking of climbing stairs
- Both of the following:
- No more than one of the photophobia, phonophonbia, or mild nausea
- Neither moderate or severe nausea nor vomiting 2.3.1 Chronic Tension-type Headache associated with pericranial tenderness
- Headache fulfilling criteria for 2.3 Chronic tension- type headache
- Increased pericranial tenderness on manual palpation.
Exclusion criteria
- Patient presents with other primary and/or secondary headache
- Patient presents with Medication Overuse Headache defined as:
- Headache occurring on 15 days per month in a patient with a pre-existing headache disorder
- Regular overuse for \>3 months of one of more drug that can be taken for acute and/or symptomatic treatment of headache
- Not better accounted for by another headache diagnosis
- History of head/neck trauma (to include whiplash)
- History of Cervical Stenosis
- Presence of any of the following atherosclerotic risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, transient ischemic attack, peripheral vascular disease, smoking, hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia
- Red flags noted in the patient's Neck Medical Screening Questionnaire (i.e. tumors, fracture, metabolic diseases, RA, osteoporosis, history of prolonged steroid use, etc.
- Bilateral upper extremity symptoms
- Evidence of CNS involvement, to include hyperreflexia, sensory disturbances in the hand, intrinsic muscle wasting of the hands, unsteadiness during walking, nystagmus, loss of visual acuity, impaired sensation of the face, altered taste, presence of pathological reflexes (i.e. positive Hoffman's and/or Babinski reflexes).
- Two or more positive neurologic signs consistent with nerve root compression, including any 2 of the following:
- Muscle weakness involving a major muscle group of the upper extremity.
- Diminished UE deep tendon reflex of the biceps, brachioradialis, triceps or superficial flexors
- Diminished or absent sensation to pinprick in any UE dermatome.
- Prior surgery to neck of thoracic spine
- Involvement in litigation or worker's compensation regarding their neck pain and/or headaches
- Diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome
- Received anesthetic blocks or botulinum toxin within the previous 6 months
- Received physical treatment in the neck and head the previous 6 months
- Any condition that might contraindicate spinal manipulative therapy
Where
- Fort Wayne, Indiana
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 18, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations