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Manual joint mobilisation techniques, supervised physical activity, psychological treatment, acupuncture and patient education for patients with tension-type headache. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The journal of headache and pain
January 1, 1970
Lotte Skytte Krøll et al. (11 authors)
Journal ArticleMeta-AnalysisReviewSystematic ReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The study aimed to review the evidence for non-pharmacological treatments, including psychological treatment (potentially including mindfulness), for tension-type headache (TTH) on headache frequency and quality of life.

Results Summary

Psychological treatment might have a positive effect on stress symptoms at the end of treatment, but the overall certainty of evidence was low or very low.

Population

Individuals with tension-type headache (TTH).

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (7)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Acupuncture
decrease
days with headache
patients with tension-type headache
-
might have positive effects
#1
Acupuncture
increase
quality of life
patients with tension-type headache
-
might have positive effects
#2
Supervised physical activity
decrease
pain intensity
patients with tension-type headache
-
might have a positive effect
#3
Supervised physical activity
decrease
headache frequency
patients with tension-type headache
-
might have a positive effect
#4
Manual joint mobilisation techniques
decrease
headache frequency
patients with tension-type headache
-
might have a positive effect
#5
Manual joint mobilisation techniques
increase
quality of life
patients with tension-type headache
-
might have a positive effect
#6
Psychological treatment
decrease
stress symptoms
patients with tension-type headache
-
might have a positive effect
#7
Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tension-type headache (TTH) has been ranked the second most prevalent health condition worldwide. Non-pharmacological treatments for TTH are widely used as a supplement or an alternative to medical treatment. However, the evidence for their effects are limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to review the evidence for manual joint mobilisation techniques, supervised physical activity, psychological treatment, acupuncture and patient education as treatments for TTH on the effect of headache frequency and quality of life. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted from February to July 2020 for clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, and individual randomised controlled trials (RCT). The primary outcomes measured were days with headache and quality of life at the end of treatment along with a number of secondary outcomes. Meta-analyses were performed on eligible RCTs and pooled estimates of effects were calculated using the random-effect model. The overall certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach (GRADE). In addition, patient preferences were included in the evaluation. RESULTS: In all, 13 RCTs were included. Acupuncture might have positive effects on both primary outcomes. Supervised physical activity might have a positive effect on pain intensity at the end of treatment and headache frequency at follow-up. Manual joint mobilisation techniques might have a positive effect on headache frequency and quality of life at follow-up. Psychological treatment might have a positive effect on stress symptoms at the end of treatment. No relevant RCTs were identified for patient education. The overall certainty of evidence was downgraded to low and very low. No serious adverse events were reported. A consensus recommendation was made for patient education and weak recommendations for the other interventions. CONCLUSION: Based on identified benefits, certainty of evidence, and patient preferences, manual joint mobilisation techniques, supervised physical activity, psychological treatment, acupuncture, and patient education can be considered as non-pharmacological treatment approaches for TTH. Some positive effects were shown on headache frequency, quality of life, pain intensity and stress symptoms. Few studies and low sample sizes posed a challenge in drawing solid conclusions. Therefore, high-quality RCTs are warranted.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Acupuncture TherapyExerciseHeadacheHumansPatient Education as TopicTension-Type Headache
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Citation Metrics
Total Citations21
Citations/Year5.3
Relative Citation Ratio2.90
NIH Percentile84.2%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
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