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Comparative Effects of Post Isometric Relaxation and Reciprocal Inhibition in Individuals With Cervicogenic Headache.
Sponsor: Foundation University Islamabad
Summary
This study aims to compare the effects of Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) in individuals with cervicogenic headache, a secondary headache originating from dysfunction of the cervical spine, particularly the upper cervical segments. Cervicogenic headache is characterized by unilateral head and neck pain, restricted cervical mobility, muscle tightness, and functional limitations that negatively affect daily activities and quality of life. The study will employ a randomized controlled trial involving 46 participants aged 18-45 years who meet the inclusion criteria. Participants will be randomly allocated into two groups: Group A will receive Post Isometric Relaxation, while Group B will receive Reciprocal Inhibition. Both groups will also receive a standard physiotherapy protocol consisting of hot packs, cervical isometric exercises, and C1-C2 Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides (SNAGs), administered three times per week for four weeks. Pain intensity, functional disability, and cervical range of motion will be assessed before and after the intervention using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and goniometric measurements, respectively. By comparing these two muscle energy techniques, the study seeks to determine which intervention is more effective in reducing pain, improving cervical mobility, and enhancing functional outcomes, thereby providing evidence to support clinical decision-making and optimize physiotherapy management for individuals with cervicogenic headache.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 45 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
46
Start Date
2026-02-12
Completion Date
2027-01-18
Last Updated
2026-09-24
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Post Isometric Relaxation
Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) is a muscle energy technique used to reduce pain, decrease muscle tightness, and improve cervical mobility in individuals with cervicogenic headache. The technique is based on the principle that muscle tone temporarily decreases after a gentle isometric contraction, allowing the muscle to be stretched more effectively. During the intervention, the therapist positions the affected muscle at its resistance barrier and asks the patient to perform a 10-second isometric contraction against therapist-applied resistance. After relaxation, a gentle passive stretch is applied to achieve a new range of motion. The procedure is repeated 3-5 times for each targeted muscle, including the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, suboccipital, and sternocleidomastoid muscles.
Reciprocal Inhibition
Reciprocal Inhibition (RI) is a muscle energy technique used to reduce muscle tightness, relieve pain, and improve cervical range of motion by utilizing the neurological principle of reciprocal inhibition. During the technique, the therapist positions the patient appropriately and instructs the patient to perform a gentle 10-second isometric contraction of the antagonist muscle against therapist-applied resistance. This contraction inhibits the activity of the tight agonist muscle, resulting in decreased muscle tone and facilitating relaxation. Following the contraction, the therapist applies a gentle passive stretch to the affected muscle to achieve a new range of motion. The technique is repeated 3-5 times for each targeted muscle to improve flexibility and cervical function.
Locations (1)
Foundation University College of Physical Therapy
Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan