Comparing the effects of post-isometric relaxation and hold-relax technique for cervicogenic headache among computer users

Abstract

Background & Objective: Cervicogenic headaches (CGH) can be caused by sedentary lifestyles and extended periods of time in fixed positions while using computers. Adapting to this sedentary lifestyle leads to neck and head pain, which is a prominent issue among adult computer users with a prevalence rate of 28%. Still, there is a lack of evidence on the effect of exercise and other physiotherapy treatments on cervical headaches. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the effects of Post-Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and the hold-relax technique on computer users suffering from CGH.

Method: Forty-eight patients were randomly assigned to the PIR (n = 24) and Hold-Relax (n = 24) groups in this experimental study. Both groups received conventional physiotherapy in common. The total duration of the exercise the participants exposed was 4 weeks. The pre-test was conducted prior to the intervention, and the post-test was carried out 4 weeks after the completion of the intervention. The pre- and post-intervention outcomes were measured using the pain Numerical Rating Scale, Headache Disability Index (HDI), Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale, Cervical Flexion Rotation Test, and neck range of motion. The data were analyzed with SPSS.

Result: The CGH participants in the PIR and Hold-Relax groups had a significant improvement in the tested outcomes between their pre- and post-exercise values (p <0.0001). However, the hold-relax technique found to have a significant reduction in HDI (p < 0.01) than post-isometric relaxation.

Conclusion: Both post-isometric relaxation and the hold-relax technique were beneficial in CGH. However, as compared to PIR, the hold-relax technique was more effective.