Cervicogenic HeadacheNCT07776275
Physical Profile of Cervicogenic Headache: Comparison With Neck Pain and Healthy Controls
An observational study of Cervicogenic Headache and Chronic Neck Pain, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
The goal of this observational study is to compare physical findings across three adult groups. Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a headache linked to a problem in the neck. Neck pain may affect posture, muscle function, grip strength, and sensitivity to pressure. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 60 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Cervicogenic Headache, Chronic Neck Pain
- How many people
- 135 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 21 Apr 2026to 1 Oct 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 to 60 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Study population: The study population consists of adults aged 25-60 years recruited at the study site in Istanbul, Türkiye. Participants are classified into three groups according to predefined clinical criteria. The cervicogenic headache group includes individuals diagnosed by a physician according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. The chronic nonspecific neck pain group includes individuals with neck pain lasting at least 6 months and no headache. The healthy control group includes individuals without neck pain or headache. Participants receive no study intervention and complete one questionnaire-based and instrument-based assessment session.
Who may be able to join
- Aged 25 to 60 years
- Able to provide written informed consent
- Meeting the criteria for one of the following groups:
- Cervicogenic headache: physician diagnosis according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition, with symptoms lasting at least 3 months
- Chronic nonspecific neck pain: neck pain lasting at least 6 months without headache
- Healthy control: no neck pain or headache
Who cannot join
- Receipt of physiotherapy for headache or neck pain during the previous 6 months
- Diagnosis of a headache disorder other than cervicogenic headache, including migraine or tension-type headache, or a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia
- History of cervical spine surgery or significant cervical trauma
- Current or previous diagnosis of a tumor or cancer
- Serious cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, hematological, metabolic, neurological, or psychiatric disorder
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Show all 16Show fewer
- Congenital cervical abnormality
- Cervical spondylolisthesis or cervical instability
- Active infection
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
- Dizziness or visual disturbance accompanying headache
- Any clinical red flag suggesting serious cervical pathology
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Upper-extremity injury, surgery, or another condition affecting handgrip strength
- Serious musculoskeletal disorder affecting cervical posture or muscle measurements
- Inability to complete the questionnaire-based or instrument-based assessments
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Medipol Sefaköy Üniversite Hastanesi
Istanbul, Sefaköy, 34433
Fatih Bali, PhD., +905323937689, fatihbali@hotmail.com
fatihbali@hotmail.com
About this study
Official title: A Multidimensional Physical Profile of Cervicogenic Headache: A Cross-Sectional Comparison With Nonspecific Neck Pain and Healthy Controls
The goal of this observational study is to compare physical findings across three adult groups. Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a headache linked to a problem in the neck. Neck pain may affect posture, muscle function, grip strength, and sensitivity to pressure. Researchers do not know whether CGH has a distinct pattern of these findings.
The main questions are:
Read more
- Do posture, grip strength, muscle stiffness, elasticity, and pressure sensitivity differ among the groups?
- Are any differences more closely associated with CGH than with neck pain?
Researchers will compare adults ages 25 through 60. One group will include people with CGH lasting at least three months. Another group will include people with neck pain lasting at least six months. People in the neck pain group will have no headaches. Healthy participants will have no neck pain or headaches.
Researchers will not provide treatment or change participants' usual care. Each participant will complete one study visit lasting about 15 minutes. Participants will:
- Answer short questions about their health and pain
- Stand while researchers measure their head and neck posture
- Squeeze a device that measures grip strength
- Complete brief tests of neck muscle stiffness and elasticity
- Tell researchers when applied pressure first becomes painful
Researchers will compare results across the three groups. The findings may guide future CGH assessment and treatment research.
- Conditions
- Cervicogenic Headache, Chronic Neck Pain
- Keywords
- physical profile, myotonometry, upper trapezius, muscle stiffness, logarithmic decrement, pressure pain threshold, handgrip strength, craniovertebral angle, tragus to wall distance, cross-sectional study
- Medical subject headings
- Post-Traumatic Headache
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cervicogenic Headache Group | Adults aged 25-60 years with cervicogenic headache diagnosed by a physician according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3), and symptoms lasting at least 3 months. Participants undergo one questionnaire-based and instrument-based assessment session. No intervention is assigned. | |
| Chronic Nonspescific Neck Pain Group | Adults aged 25-60 years with chronic nonspecific neck pain lasting at least 6 months and no headache. Participants undergo one questionnaire-based and instrument-based assessment session. No intervention is assigned. | |
| Healthy Control Group | Adults aged 25-60 years with no neck pain or headaches. Participants undergo one questionnaire-based and instrument-based assessment session. No intervention is assigned. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Bilateral Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness
Upper trapezius muscle stiffness will be assessed bilaterally using the MyotonPRO device. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained at the midpoint between the C7 spinous process and the lateral border of the acromion. The mean of the three measurements will be used. Stiffness will be expressed in newtons per meter (N/m), with higher values indicating greater stiffness.
Measured: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Bilateral Upper Trapezius Logarithmic Decrement
Upper trapezius logarithmic decrement will be assessed bilaterally using the MyotonPRO device at the same standardized measurement site. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained on each side, and their mean will be used. Logarithmic decrement is a dimensionless inverse indicator of tissue elasticity, with lower values indicating greater elasticity.
Measured: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Secondary outcomes (5)
Bilateral Handgrip Strength
Bilateral handgrip strength will be measured using a Jamar Hydraulic Hand Dynamometer set to the second handle position. Participants will perform three maximal contractions with each hand in a standardized seated position. The highest value for each hand will be recorded in kilograms, with higher values indicating greater handgrip strength.
Measured: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Bilateral Upper Trapezius Pressure Pain Threshold
Pressure pain threshold will be measured bilaterally over the upper trapezius using a handheld pressure algometer with a 1-cm² probe. The measurement site will be the midpoint between the C7 spinous process and the lateral border of the acromion. Pressure will gradually increase until the participant first reports pain. Values will be recorded in kg/cm², with higher values indicating a higher pressure pain threshold.
Measured: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Bilateral Suboccipital Pressure Pain Threshold
Pressure pain threshold will be measured bilaterally over the suboccipital region using a handheld pressure algometer with a 1-cm² probe. The measurement site will be located 2 cm lateral to the C2 spinous process. Pressure will gradually increase until the participant first reports pain. Values will be recorded in kg/cm², with higher values indicating a higher pressure pain threshold.
Measured: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Tragus-to-Wall Distance
Tragus-to-wall distance will be measured in millimeters using a tape measure. Participants will stand with their heels, sacrum, and thoracic spine resting comfortably against a wall while maintaining a natural head position. The distance between the wall and the tragus will be recorded. Greater distances indicate greater forward positioning of the head.
Measured: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Craniovertebral Angle
The craniovertebral angle will be measured in degrees using a universal goniometer. The fulcrum will be positioned over the lateral projection of the C7 spinous process. The stationary arm will remain parallel to the floor, and the movable arm will point toward the tragus. Three measurements will be obtained, and their mean will be used. Smaller angles indicate greater forward head posture.
Measured: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted20 Aug 2026
- Study start21 Apr 2026
- Primary completion1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Cervicogenic HeadacheStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 135 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Istanbul Kent University
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, fatih bali, Istanbul Kent University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07776275
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- E-10840098-50.04-2858
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Aug 2026
- Last updated
- 21 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data will not be shared. Study findings will be reported only in aggregate form through scientific publications and presentations.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Multidimensional Physical Profile of Cervicogenic Headache: A Cross-Sectional Comparison With Nonspecific Neck Pain and Healthy Controls
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07776275
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- E-10840098-50.04-2858
- Conditions
- Cervicogenic Headache, Chronic Neck Pain
- Keywords
- physical profile, myotonometry, upper trapezius, muscle stiffness, logarithmic decrement, pressure pain threshold, handgrip strength, craniovertebral angle
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 135 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Istanbul Medipol University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Istanbul Kent University
- Study start
- 21 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Oct 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 20 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The goal of this observational study is to compare physical findings across three adult groups. Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a headache linked to a problem in the neck. Neck pain may affect posture, muscle function, grip strength, and sensitivity to pressure. Researchers do not know whether CGH has a distinct pattern of these findings.
The main questions are:
- Do posture, grip strength, muscle stiffness, elasticity, and pressure sensitivity differ among the groups?
- Are any differences more closely associated with CGH than with neck pain?
Researchers will compare adults ages 25 through 60. One group will include people with CGH lasting at least three months. Another group will include people with neck pain lasting at least six months. People in the neck pain group will have no headaches. Healthy participants will have no neck pain or headaches.
Researchers will not provide treatment or change participants' usual care. Each participant will complete one study visit lasting about 15 minutes. Participants will:
- Answer short questions about their health and pain
- Stand while researchers measure their head and neck posture
- Squeeze a device that measures grip strength
- Complete brief tests of neck muscle stiffness and elasticity
- Tell researchers when applied pressure first becomes painful
Researchers will compare results across the three groups. The findings may guide future CGH assessment and treatment research.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cervicogenic Headache Group | – | –Adults aged 25-60 years with cervicogenic headache diagnosed by a physician according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3), and symptoms lasting at least 3 months. Participants undergo one questionnaire-based and instrument-based assessment session. No intervention is assigned. |
| Chronic Nonspescific Neck Pain Group | – | –Adults aged 25-60 years with chronic nonspecific neck pain lasting at least 6 months and no headache. Participants undergo one questionnaire-based and instrument-based assessment session. No intervention is assigned. |
| Healthy Control Group | – | –Adults aged 25-60 years with no neck pain or headaches. Participants undergo one questionnaire-based and instrument-based assessment session. No intervention is assigned. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 60 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
- Study population
- The study population consists of adults aged 25-60 years recruited at the study site in Istanbul, Türkiye. Participants are classified into three groups according to predefined clinical criteria. The cervicogenic headache group includes individuals diagnosed by a physician according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition. The chronic nonspecific neck pain group includes individuals with neck pain lasting at least 6 months and no headache. The healthy control group includes individuals without neck pain or headache. Participants receive no study intervention and complete one questionnaire-based and instrument-based assessment session.
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Aged 25 to 60 years
- Able to provide written informed consent
- Meeting the criteria for one of the following groups:
- Cervicogenic headache: physician diagnosis according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition, with symptoms lasting at least 3 months
- Chronic nonspecific neck pain: neck pain lasting at least 6 months without headache
Key exclusion criteria (16 listed)
- Receipt of physiotherapy for headache or neck pain during the previous 6 months
- Diagnosis of a headache disorder other than cervicogenic headache, including migraine or tension-type headache, or a diagnosis of trigeminal neuralgia
- History of cervical spine surgery or significant cervical trauma
- Current or previous diagnosis of a tumor or cancer
- Serious cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, hematological, metabolic, neurological, or psychiatric disorder
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Bilateral Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness
Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Upper trapezius muscle stiffness will be assessed bilaterally using the MyotonPRO device. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained at the midpoint between the C7 spinous process and the lateral border of the acromion. The mean of the three measurements will be used. Stiffness will be expressed in newtons per meter (N/m), with higher values indicating greater stiffness.
Bilateral Upper Trapezius Logarithmic Decrement
Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Upper trapezius logarithmic decrement will be assessed bilaterally using the MyotonPRO device at the same standardized measurement site. Three consecutive measurements will be obtained on each side, and their mean will be used. Logarithmic decrement is a dimensionless inverse indicator of tissue elasticity, with lower values indicating greater elasticity.
5 secondary outcomes
Bilateral Handgrip Strength
Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Bilateral Upper Trapezius Pressure Pain Threshold
Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Bilateral Suboccipital Pressure Pain Threshold
Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Tragus-to-Wall Distance
Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Craniovertebral Angle
Time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Aug 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data will not be shared. Study findings will be reported only in aggregate form through scientific publications and presentations.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Cervicogenic Headache and Chronic Neck Pain, run by Istanbul Medipol University Hospital at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 16 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Fatih Bali, PhD. (+905323937689, fatihbali@hotmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Bilateral Upper Trapezius Muscle Stiffness (time frame: During the single assessment session at enrollment). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Aug 2026.