Efficacy of Biofeedback Exercise of Deep Neck Flexors on Cervicogenic Headache

Abstract
Background: Cervicogenic Headache (CGH) is a common condition causing significant disability. Patients with CGH had less strength and endurance of Deep Neck Flexors (DNF).
Aim of Study: The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of (DNF) strength exercise using Pressure Bio-feedback Unit (PBU) for CGH patients.
Material and Methods: Thirty patients (15 females and 15 males) with CGH, their age ranged from twenty to forty years, were randomly allocated into DNF group received DNF strength exercise using PBU in addition to traditional program and traditional treatment group received traditional physical therapy program only. Treatment applied three times per week for 4 weeks, each patient has been assessed for pain, functional disability, and cervical range of motion using Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and OB Myrin goniometry respectively in addition to headache frequency per week pre and post-treatment.
Results: The results showed that: There was no significant difference in the mean values of the headache pain (p=0.13), neck pain (p=0.78), NDI (p=0.77) and ROM (p>0.5) between DNF group and traditional group post-treatment but there was a significant decrease in the mean values of headache frequency of the DNF group post-treatment compared with that of traditional treatment group (p=0.003).
Conclusion: These results suggest that deep neck flexors exercises using pressure biofeedback unit is effective in the reducing headache frequency in individuals with the cervico-genic headache than traditional exercise only.