Efficacy of strength training on tension-type headache: A randomised controlled study. (May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Madsen, Bjarne K; Søgaard, Karen; Andersen, Lars L; Tornøe, Birte; Jensen, Rigmor H
• Is Part Of: Cephalalgia. Volume 38:Number 6(2018)
• Page Start: 1071
• Page End: 1080
• Publication Date: 2018-05
• Subjects: Strength training -- ergonomic and posture correction -- shoulder/neck muscles; Headache -- Periodicals; 616.8491
• DOI: 10.1177/0333102417722521
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0333-1024

Abstract

Background: Strength training has shown effects in reducing neck pain. As neck pain is highly prevalent in tension-type headache (TTH), it is relevant to examine the effect of strength training of the shoulder muscles on TTH patients. Aim: To examine the effect of strength training of the shoulder/neck muscles on TTH frequency and duration. Methods: Sixty patients with TTH were randomised into strength training or a control group. The strength training group trained ten weeks with elastic resistance bands. The control group performed ergonomic and posture correction. Efficacy was evaluated at follow-up after 19–22 weeks. Results: Twenty-three patients completed strength training and 21 completed ergonomic and posture correction (per-protocol). No between-group effect was detected, but within groups numerical reductions were noted in both groups from baseline to follow-up. Frequency of TTH in the strength training group decreased by 11% ( P = 0.041) and duration decreased by10% ( P = 0.036), while the ergonomic and posture correction group showed a significant reduction in frequency of 24% ( P = 0.0033) and a decrease in duration of 27% ( P = 0.041). Conclusion: No significant difference between the groups was found and the within-group effects did not reach clinical significance. Combining all the elements into a multifaceted intervention could prove more useful and should be further explored in future studies. Clinical trials registration number: NCT02984826