Comparative Effects Of Eye-Cervical Re-Education Exercises And Pressure Biofeedback Training Of D… (NCT07526025) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingNot Applicable
Comparative Effects Of Eye-Cervical Re-Education Exercises And Pressure Biofeedback Training Of Deep Cervical Flexors In Cervicogenic Headache
Pakistan34 participantsStarted 2026-05-19
Plain-language summary
Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache that originates from dysfunction in the upper cervical spine, particularly the atlanto-occipital and C1-C3 segments, and is perceived in one or more regions of the head and/or face. The underlying mechanism involves convergence of cervical and trigeminal afferents in the trigeminocervical nucleus. Structures innervated by the C1, C2, and C3 spinal nerves are capable of producing referred pain to the head. CGH is relatively common, accounting for approximately 15-20% of all chronic headaches. It typically worsens with neck movement and is often associated with limited cervical range of motion. One of the key impairments in individuals with CGH is disrupted cervical sensorimotor control, particularly affecting proprioception and deep cervical muscle coordination. Physical therapy is widely recognized as the first-line treatment for CGH, with emerging evidence supporting interventions aimed at improving cervical proprioception and neuromuscular control. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of two sensorimotor-based physical therapy approaches-eye-cervical re-education and pressure biofeedback training of deep cervical flexors (DCF)-in patients with CGH. The primary outcomes include pain intensity, functional disability, cervical range of motion (ROM), and cervical joint position sense (proprioception). Participants will be recruited using purposive sampling from Fauji Foundation Hospital and Foundation University College of Physical Therapy (FUCP), Islamabad. After providing written informed consent, eligible participants will be randomized into two groups. Group 1 will receive conventional physical therapy along with eye-cervical re-education exercises, while Group 2 will receive conventional therapy combined with pressure biofeedback DCF training. Data will be collected at baseline and after the 10th treatment session to assess within- and between-group changes in the outcome measures. This study aims to inform evidence-based physical therapy practice in the management of cervicogenic headache.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 45 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:
* Age 18 to 45 years
* Both genders
* Unilateral neck pain and referred headache
* Headache is precipitated by neck movements or sustained positions.
* Positive cervical flexion rotation test
* Headache reproduced with provocation of the involved upper cervical segments.
* Restricted upper cervical segmental mobility.
Exclusion Criteria:
* • Cervical radiculopathy
* Known or suspected vestibular disorders such as BBPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo), vestibular neuritis, meniere's disease, labyrinthitis
* Visual problems such as occipital neuralgia
* History of traumatic neck injury/surgery or cervical instability
* Rheumatoid arthritis
* Osteoporosis
* Metabolic disorders
* Spinal infection or tumors
* Vertebrobasilar insufficiency
* Other headache types such as tension headache, migraine etc
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 is comparing two specific exercise approaches — eye-cervical re-education exercises versus pressure biofeedback training of the deep neck muscles — would my doctor be able to explain what each of these involves day-to-day so I can judge whether either fits my current situation?
2Since this is a Phase NA study focused on measuring cervical joint proprioception as the main outcome, what does that actually mean for my headaches — is improving neck position sense likely to translate into fewer or less severe cervicogenic headaches for me?
3The trial is still actively recruiting, which means results aren't in yet — given that uncertainty, would my doctor recommend I try one of these exercise approaches through standard care first, or is joining the trial a reasonable way to access structured treatment?
4Are there any characteristics about my specific case of cervicogenic headache — like severity, duration, or other neck problems — that might make me a poor fit for a study built around these kinds of exercises?
5If I were enrolled and randomly assigned to the group that doesn't match what my doctor thinks would help me most, what would happen to my usual treatment during the study period?
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.