Effectiveness of Soft Tissue Mobilization & Trigger Point Release Versus Stretching on Tension Type Headache Among University Students; A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effects of soft tissue mobilization and trigger point release verses stretching in tension type headache among university students.

Methodology: A randomized control study was conducted reg.no NCT05305703 at Bashir Institute of Health sciences (BIHS) from March 2019 to August 2019. Subjects were selected through a non-probability convenient sampling technique then, randomly allocated to (Group A= Soft tissue mobilization & Trigger points release group and Group B= Stretching group) through toss and coin method. Both male and female students, age range from 18-25 years and trigger points in neck muscles included in the study. 30 participants included in the study. In group A (n=15), patients were given a combination therapy of soft tissue mobilization & trigger point release therapy after the application of hot-pack while group B (n=15) received stretching of cervical muscles after hot-pack application. The study outcomes were measured at baseline and at the end of sessions through visual analogue scale and goniometer. Data was entered and analysed on SPSS v 22.0.

Results: Out of 30 subjects enrolled in the study, 19 (63%) were females and 11 (37%) were males. The mean ± SD of age (in years) in group A was 20.27± 1.53 and in group B was 21.27± 1.79. Independent T test was applied between group analysis. Significant improvement was observed within 3 weeks training protocol of combination therapy. Between the group comparisons of VAS, statistically significant results were observed with P value <0.005 in group A. In terms of cervical ROMs there was no statistically significant difference between both groups.

Conclusion: This study concluded that combination of soft tissue mobilization & trigger point release therapy to patients with tension-type headache provides better outcomes than stretching.