The effect of suboccipital muscle inhibition and posture correction exercises on chronic tension-type headaches

Author(s):  
Sung-Hak Cho

BACKGROUND: Compared with healthy people, patients with chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) are likely to have forward head postures (FHP) and a higher number of active trigger points (aTrP) on the suboccipital muscle. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to verify how the suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI) on aTrPs and the FHP correction exercise can effectively reduce symptoms of the CTTH patients. METHOD: The subjects of this study were 45 individuals with CTTH, divided into three groups of 15 patients each: a) the SMI group using the myofascial release technique; b) the SMIEx group subject to both the SMI therapy and FHP correction exercises; and c) the control group. Group A and B were given the relevant interventions twice a week for four consecutive weeks, and went through the headache impact test (HIT-6) and examinations on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the headache areas, the type and number of myofascial trigger points (TrP), the soft tissue PPT, and the posture before and after the intervention. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in the HIT-6, the headache PPT, the soft tissue PPT, the TrP, and the posture in Group A and B patients to whom the SMI technique and SMIEx interventions were applied. The biggest reduction and increase in the HIT-6 and the headache PPT respectively were seen in the SMIEx group. CONCLUSION: According to this study, the SMIEx can be an effective intervention for patients with CTTH.

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peerada Damapong ◽  
Naowarat Kanchanakhan ◽  
Wichai Eungpinichpong ◽  
Prasobsook Putthapitak ◽  
Pongmada Damapong

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the court-type traditional Thai massage (CTTM) to treat patients with chronic tension-type headaches (CTTHs) comparing with amitriptyline taking. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sixty patients diagnosed with CTTH were equally divided into a treatment and a control group. The treatment group received a 45-minute course of CTTM twice per week lasting 4 weeks while the control group was prescribed 25 mg of amitriptyline once a day before bedtime lasting 4 weeks. Outcome measures were evaluated in week 2, week 4 and followed up in week 6 consisting of visual analog scale (VAS), tissue hardness, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and heart rate variability (HRV). The results demonstrated a significant decrease in VAS pain intensity for the CTTM group at different assessment time points while a significant difference occurred in within-group and between-group comparison (P< 0.05) for each evaluated measure. Moreover, the tissue hardness of the CTTM group was significantly lower than the control group at week 4 (P< 0.05). The PPT and HRV of the CTTM group were significantly increased (P< 0.05). CTTM could be an alternative therapy for treatment of patients with CTTHs.


Author(s):  
Hafiz Muhammad Waseem Javaid ◽  
Ashfaq Ahmad ◽  
Fareeha Ajmad ◽  
Sidrah Liaqat ◽  
Saba Tahir

<p><strong>Background:</strong><strong>  </strong>Non-specific neck pain has potential contributing factors. One of the factors being emphasized in the modern era is the Myofascial trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle. These could be treated by strain counterstrain method whose effectiveness needs to be evaluated. Hence, the objective of the study was to compare the effects of conventional Physical therapy with or without strain counterstrain in patients with trigger points of upper trapezius muscle.</p><p> <strong>Patients and Methods</strong></p><p>It is randomized controlled clinical trial.</p><p>48 patients with treatment group A (24 patients) and control group B (24 patients).</p><p class="Default">48 patients with treatment group A (24 patients) and control group B (24 patients).</p><p>Patients with non-specific neck pain, having active myofascial trigger points in upper trapezius muscle presented to physical therapy department. Effects of interventions were recorded on neck disability index, visual analogue scale and cervical range of motion goniometer.</p><p><strong>Results</strong> of this study using repeated measure ANOVA demonstrated that within group from day 1 to 7, there was mean reduction of pain by 32.13 (26.99, 37.27) in conventional physical therapy group with Strain counterstrain group (group A) and conventional physical therapy only group (group B) by 12.62 (8.28, 16.96). Less significant improvement was seen within groups for day 1, 4 and 7 in cervical range of motion. There was significant improvement seen in pain, neck disability index and neck range of motions on day 7 between group A and B measured by independent sample t test.</p><p><strong>Conclusion:</strong><strong>  </strong>Conventional physical therapy with strain counterstrain was found effective in reducing pain, functional disability and improving range of motion at cervical region.</p>


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Diego Sales do Nascimento ◽  
Francisco Alburquerque-Sendín ◽  
Laysla Carla de Castro Ferreira ◽  
Catarina de Oliveira Sousa

Abstract Background: The myofascial trigger points (MTPs) may be associated with in shoulder dysfunction.Objective: To evaluate the immediate effect of ischemic compression therapy (ICT) and to verify the effect of the evaluation protocol on MTPs, pain, mobility and strength of shoulder.Methods: 15 individuals were assessed for the amount of MTPs, pressure pain threshold (PPT), range of motion (ROM), isometric strength of shoulder muscles and pain in performing these tests. The evaluations took place 48 hours before the ICT, immediately before, and after the ICT.Results: There was a reduction in the total amount of MTPs (p<0.01; Cliff’s d=0.24-0.35) and an increase in the PPT in the middle deltoid muscle (p=0.03) in the comparisons pre and post treatment, while there was no difference in ROMs and strength measures (p>0.05). The pain was less during the sagittal elevation ROM (p<0.01; d=0.80) and internal rotation (p=0.05; d=0.57), and during the performance of strength in arm elevation and external rotation (p=0.01; d=0.72 and d=0.68). There was generally no difference in the variables assessed between baseline and pre-treatment (p>0.06).Conclusion: The ICT immediately reduced the amount of MTPs and pain during mobility and strength. The evaluation protocol did not influence the studied variables.Trial registration: ReBEC (RBR-3DDG2K). Registered in July 5th, 2017 – Retrospectively registered, http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-3ddg2k/.


2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang-Min Huang ◽  
Gang Ye ◽  
Zhen-Yan Zhao ◽  
Jiao-Jiao Lv ◽  
Li Tang

Objectives To explore myoelectrical activity and muscle morphology of myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in an injury model of rats. Methods A total of 24 male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (group A) and model group (group B). A blunt striking injury and eccentric exercise were applied to the vastus medialis (VM) of rats in group B for 8 weeks. Later, the palpable taut band (TB), local twitch response, myoelectrical activities and morphology in the two groups were examined. Results An average of 2.5 (30/12) palpable TBs were detected in the VM in group B compared with none in group A. The MTrPs had two types of abnormal potential. Their amplitudes were significantly higher than those in the control group (p<0.01) but their durations showed no significant differences. A series of reflex contractions appeared in groups A and B in response to external stimulation to the ear. Their amplitude and duration in group B were significantly lower than those in group A. A series of lower fibrillation potentials repeatedly occurred in model MTrPs in group B. The morphology of MTrPs showed abnormal muscle fibres with large round or ellipse shapes in cross-section and enlarged tapering shapes in longitudinal section. Conclusions Active MTrPs can be provoked by repeated blunt injury. Active MTrPs are a group of muscle fibres with abnormal shapes and abnormal myoelectrical potentials. External stimulation provokes low-voltage responses in MTrPs, which is different from the response of normal muscle fibres.


2021 ◽  
pp. 096452842110275
Author(s):  
Carolina Jiménez-Sánchez ◽  
Julio Gómez-Soriano ◽  
Elisabeth Bravo-Esteban ◽  
Orlando Mayoral-del Moral ◽  
Pablo Herrero-Gállego ◽  
...  

Background: Myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) are hypersensitive nodules in a taut band (TB) of skeletal muscle. Dry needling (DN) is an invasive technique recommended for the treatment of MTrPs. However, to our knowledge, no studies have investigated the influence of the DN technique on modification of muscle stiffness and neurophysiological properties of MTrPs. Objective: The objective was to examine the effect of DN on muscle stiffness and motoneuron excitability of a latent medial MTrP (nodule and TB) of the soleus muscle in non-injured subjects. Methods: A double-blinded randomised controlled trial of 46 subjects with latent medial MTrPs of the soleus was conducted, in which all received one session of DN. The intervention group (n = 23) were subjected to DN into the MTrP (the nodule), while the control group (n = 23) were subjected to DN into the TB. Assessment was carried out at baseline (pre-test), after the intervention (post-test) and 1 week after the intervention (follow-up). Biomechanical variables (muscle resistive force at 10°/s and 180°/s, muscle extensibility and strength), as measured with an isokinetic dynamometer, and neurophysiological variables (H-reflex), were recorded. Results: There were no statistically significant differences in biomechanical or neurophysiological assessments between groups. Considering the intra-group analysis, subjects in the intervention group exhibited increased maximal isometric voluntary force to ankle plantarflexion (MIVFp) at both post-intervention and follow-up assessment (p < 0.0125; 0.2 < d < 0.5), while no changes were found in the control group. Conclusion: One session of DN targeting latent MTrPs did not change muscle stiffness, muscle extensibility or motoneuron excitability. Further research on subjects with muscle tone disorders should be considered to better address the impact of DN on muscle tone. Trial registration number: NCT02575586 (ClinicalTrials.gov).


2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (9) ◽  
pp. 786-792 ◽  
Author(s):  
César Fernández-de-las-Peñas ◽  
Hong-You Ge ◽  
Lars Arendt-Nielsen ◽  
Maria Luz Cuadrado ◽  
Juan A. Pareja

Cephalalgia ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-218 ◽  
Author(s):  
T Shimomura ◽  
H Kowa ◽  
T Nakano ◽  
A Kitano ◽  
H Marukawa ◽  
...  

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a radical-scavenging enzyme. We determined Cu, Zn-SOD concentrations and activities in platelets from subjects with migraine and tension-type headaches. Thirty migraine without aura (MWoA) patients, 9 migraine with aura (MWA) patients, and 53 tension-type headache patients were selected for study. Thirty healthy volunteers composed the control group. Concentrations of platelet SOD were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. The activity of platelet SOD was determined by measuring reductivity of nitroblue tetrazolium. Low concentrations of platelet SOD were found in patients with MWA and MWoA. Platelet SOD activity decreased in MWA patients but not in patients with MWoA or tension-type headaches. These findings suggest vulnerability to oxidative stress in patients with migraine. It is suggested that low platelet SOD levels may play an important role in the etiology of migraine.


Author(s):  
Mounir M El-safty ◽  
Hala Mahmoud ◽  
Eman Sa Zaki ◽  
Howaida I Abd-alla

  Objective: Salmonella enteritidis ghosts (SEGs) is a non-living empty bacterial cell envelopes which were generated using a different concentration of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) 6.4 mg/mL and evaluated as a vaccine candidate in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chicken. SEGs have been produced by chemical-mediated lysis and evaluated the potential efficacy of chemically induced SEG vaccine and its ability to induce protective immune responses against virulent S. enteritidis challenge in SPF chickens.Methods: SPF chickens were divided into three groups: Group A (non-vaccinated control), Group B (vaccinated with prepared vaccine), and Group C (vaccinated with commercial vaccine).Results: Vaccination of SPF chicken with SEGs induced higher immune responses before and after virulent challenge. SPF chicken vaccinated with SEGs showed increasing in serum enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibodies. During the vaccination period, Groups B and C showed higher serum antibody titer compared to Group A. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of NaOH was capable of inducing non-living SEGs, and it has successfully generated non-living SEGs by MIC of NaOH.Conclusion: It is a one-step process which means easy manufacturing and low production cost compared to protein E-mediated lysis method. Chemically induced SEG vaccine is a highly effective method for inducing protective immunity. This study strongly suggests that SEGs will be a permissive vaccine, as the method of inhibition of S. enteritidis was safe and cheaper than other methods, and it gave a good protection.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 158 ◽  
Author(s):  
Parastoo Alizadeh Oghyanous

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of brain-based teaching on the self-efficacy of young EFL learners. The initial participants of the study were 90 learners within the age range of 13-16 who were selected based on convenience sampling. Theses 90 young EFL learners were given a Flyers test the scores of which were used to choose 60 homogeneous learners whose scores fell within the range of +/- one standard deviation from the mean. The 60 selected learners were then divided into an experimental and a control group. A Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children (SEQ-C), developed by Muris (2001) was administered to the participants in both groups before and after the treatment after being translated into Persian and piloted for reliability check. To implement brain-based teaching in the experimental group, the researcher taught the lessons based on the three techniques of Brain Based Teaching Approach (BBTA). The three techniques used were Relaxed Alertness (RA), Orchestrated Immersion (OI) and Active Processing (AP) in line with Thomas and Swamy (2014). The results of statistical analyses indicated that brain-based teaching approach had a significant effect on students’ self-efficacy. The findings of the study can have implications for both students and EFL teachers in the realm of foreign language learning and teaching.


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