Muscle Function and Tenderness Differences in Headache Patients

Launched by DANISH HEADACHE CENTER · Feb 28, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This is an observational, cross-sectional study at the Danish Headache Center in Copenhagen. Researchers will compare neck and shoulder muscle function and tenderness in three groups of headache patients: those with migraine, those with tension-type headache, and those with posttraumatic headache. They will measure tenderness in the head and neck, how strong the neck muscles can contract, and how quickly the shoulder muscles can develop force (a measure called Rate of Force Development, using a device that tests maximum effort). They will also do tests of neck control and lower back endurance to understand overall muscle function across the groups. No treatment will be given as part of this study.

If you’re considering eligibility, you would be an adult between 18 and 65 years old with headaches on at least 10 days per month, and you would belong to one of the three headache types studied. For tension-type headache, you can have up to 3 days per month with migraine. Exclusions include pregnancy, significant psychiatric illness, medication-overuse headache, or major neck/shoulder problems like severe arthritis or disc issues. The study plans to enroll about 90 participants and involves a single-day assessment with questionnaires and a series of physical tests. Enrolling is by invitation, and the study is currently recruiting, with results not yet available.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:Criteria: Inclusion Criteria:
• • Aged 18 to 65 years.
• • Diagnosis of migraine, tension-type headache, or posttraumatic headache, occurring at least 10 days per month.
• • For tension-type headache patients, maximum of 3 days per month with migraine.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnancy.
• • Significant psychiatric comorbidities (e.g., severe depression).
• • Medication-overuse headache.
• • Severe osteoarthritis in the neck or shoulder, or cervical disc herniation.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • -