Efficacy of strength training on tension-type headache: A randomised controlled study

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.

Neck/shoulder function in tension-type headache patients and the effect of strength training

“…20 It was aimed to include 60 TTH patients and 30 healthy controls based on power calculations for the primary outcome in the intervention part of the study (frequency and duration presented previously). 13 , 22 After the baseline case–control testing, the healthy controls exited the trial. In the RCT, the TTH patients were randomized by a random sequence generator into two groups, and the patients were not blinded to allocation.…”

“…Previously, similar analysis on the primary outcomes, headache frequency and duration has been published. 13 , 22 Further medication intake was registered as a secondary outcome, and it has been analyzed and published that no significant reduction after intervention was found. 22 In addition, it was shown that there were patients with coexisting migraine and and these showed a similar decrease in force as those with only TTH.…”

“…This has, together with more details, been presented in a previous paper. 22 Headache frequency and duration was at baseline recorded for the previous 4 weeks and compared to weeks 19–22 at follow-up (10 weeks intervention + 12 weeks follow-up period). 22 In short, the TTH patients were randomized by the random sequence generator into two groups: an ST group who conducted progressive ST for 10 weeks with elastic bands (TheraBand) and a control group who were instructed in ergonomic and posture corrections (EPs).…”

“…The ST intervention compared to EP resulted in no effect on the primary outcome of change in the headache frequency and duration as described previously. 22 …”

Kopfschmerzen – Update 2018

“…In einer zweiten kleinen Studie wurde dieses Krafttraining mit einer Verbesserung der ergonomischen Arbeitsplatzgestaltung verglichen. Beide Interventionsgruppen zeigten eine Verbesserung bezüglich ihrer Kopfschmerzen ohne signifikanten Unterschied zwischen den Gruppen [44].…”