The Role Of Fascia And Breathing Exercises In The Treatment Of Cervicogenic Headache (NCT07518108) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
The Role Of Fascia And Breathing Exercises In The Treatment Of Cervicogenic Headache
Turkey (Türkiye)72 participantsStarted 2026-04-20
Plain-language summary
This study aims to investigate the effect of specific exercise programs on individuals suffering from cervicogenic headaches, a type of headache originating from neck problems. While traditional physiotherapy is the standard approach, this research examines whether the addition of specific "fascia-focused" exercises or "breathing exercises" provides improved relief.
Fascia is a thin, protective membrane layer surrounding every muscle and organ in the body. In this study, participants will be divided into three groups. All participants will receive standard neck exercises and posture training. One group will perform dynamic exercises targeting the body's connective tissue (fascia) to improve flexibility and coordination. Another group will practice specific breathing techniques to help reduce muscle tension and stress-related triggers. The exercises will be administered to participants for 12 weeks.
It is expected that fascia exercises and breathing exercises will have positive effects on headaches as a result of the applied treatments.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Adults aged 18-60 years
* Diagnosis of cervicogenic headache according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3)
* Headache duration of at least 3 months
* Presence of headache associated with cervical movement limitation or provoked by neck movement
* Pain intensity of ≥3 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at baseline
* Ability to understand and comply with the study procedures
* Willingness to participate and provision of written informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
* Presence of other primary headache disorders (e.g., migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache)
* Diagnosis of rheumatologic diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, systemic lupus erythematosus)
* Serious cervical spine pathologies (e.g., cervical myelopathy, spinal stenosis)
* Presence of neurological deficits or central nervous system disorders
* Received physical therapy for the cervical region within the past 3 months
* Severe psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment that may interfere with participation
* Pregnancy
* Cardiopulmonary conditions contraindicating exercise
* Musculoskeletal disorders that may interfere with exercise adherence
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This trial focuses on fascia and breathing exercises for cervicogenic headache — how confident are you that my headaches are actually cervicogenic in origin, and would that make me a potential candidate worth discussing with the research team?
2The trial isn't recruiting yet — given where I am in my treatment right now, does it make sense to wait to see if this study opens, or should we pursue other options in the meantime?
3The main outcome being measured is the HIT-6 score, which tracks how much headaches are interfering with daily life — based on my current HIT-6 or similar assessments, do you think a 12-week exercise-based intervention is a realistic approach for my level of impact?
4Since this is a Phase NA study focused on physical therapy techniques like fascia work and breathing exercises, what do we already know about the safety and effectiveness of these approaches for cervicogenic headache, and how does that compare to standard treatments you might recommend for me?
5If this trial does open and I were to discuss enrollment, what would participating in a 12-week exercise intervention actually look like in terms of appointments, time commitment, and whether it could be combined with any treatments I'm already doing?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Change in Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) score from baseline to 12 weeks (post-intervention)
Timeframe: Baseline, 12 weeks (post-intervention)
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07518108
SponsorSehit Prof. Dr. Ilhan Varank Sancaktepe Training and Research Hospital