The effect of Sahrmann's approach on headache and stability indices in patients with chronic cervicogenic headache: a single-blind clinical trial

Abstract

Background and purpose: Cervicogenic headache is a type of secondary headache that is caused due to a disturbance in the structures of the cervical region. Most of the studies have investigated the effect of neck manipulation and mobilization for the treatment of cervicogenic headache, and the effects of adjusting the movement pattern have not been discussed. The purpose of this study was investigating the effect of Sahrmann's approach on headache and stability indices of patients with chronic cervicogenic headache.

Materials and methods: In this single blind clinical trial study, thirty-two subjects with cervicogenic headache were randomly divided into a Sahrmann exercise group and a physical therapy group. Exercises were conducted three times per week for four weeks. Overall, anterior-posterior and mediolateral stability indices were measured before, after and one month after the intervention with the Biodex stability system. Data were analyzed with multiple ANOVA Repeated measure and Bonferroni tests (p<0.05).

Results: Comparison within group showed a significant improvement in headache, disability and stability indices in both groups (p<0.05). In the comparison between the groups, a significant difference in headache and disability indices was observed in favor of the Sahrmann group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The results of this study showed that Sahrmann exercises are an effective treatment for reducing headache intensity and improving disability. According to the results of the study, the positive effects of Sahrmann exercise on postural control reactions were shown, so we suggest that in addition to traditional physical therapy, Sahrmann exercise should also be considered in subjects with chronic cervicogenic headache.