A Randomized Controlled Trial to Study the Effects of Suboccipital Muscle Release Technique versus Neck Isometrics for Tension Headache in Medical Students

Abstract

Background: Headaches are a prevalent concern among medical students, often attributed to stress, long study hours, and poor posture. Evidence is present to support the influence of sub-occipital muscle release technique and neck isometrics on reduction in tension type headache intensity among medical students. Objective: To compare and determine the effects of sub-occipital muscle release and neck isometrics in reducing headache intensity among medical students. Data Collection Procedure: A total of 40 participants with tension type headache were selected according to the inclusion criteria. Participants were divided into two groups, i.e. Group A and Group B, with 20 participants in each group. Sample size was calculated using Open Epi calculator. Non-probability convenient sampling was used for recruitment and then subjects were randomly allocated to both groups by sealed envelope method. Sub-occipital muscle release technique was performed in Group A. Group B was instructed to perform neck isometrics. These interventions were performed over a period of 4 weeks. Measurements were taken at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment. NPRS and HDI scales were used to assess the headache intensity. The overall duration of study was 6 months. Independent Sample T-test was used for between group analysis and Paired Sample T-test was used for within group analysis. Results: Between group analysis showed no significant difference in effects of Sub- occipital Muscle Release and Neck Isometrics with P-value > 0.05. Within group analysis demonstrated that both techniques were effective in reducing the headache intensity among medical students with P-value <0.05 in both groups. Conclusions: The results concluded that while both interventions demonstrated efficacy within their respective groups, there is not sufficient evidence to conclude that one intervention is significantly superior to the other.