NCT07354776 Effect of Isometric Neck Exercises on Cervicogenic Headache, Cortisol, and BDNF in Adolescents With Smartphone Addiction
| NCT ID | NCT07354776 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | Khyber Medical University Peshawar |
| Condition | Cervicogenic Headache |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 44 participants |
| Start Date | 2025-12-01 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-04-01 |
Eligibility & Interventions
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
This trial targets 44 participants in total. It began in 2025-12-01 with a primary completion date of 2026-04-01.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
Cervicogenic headache (CGH) is a secondary headache type caused due to refereed pain arising from the cervical spine in the forehead, sometimes in temporal region. Which may have great impact on our daily life activities; decreased range of motion at cervical spine, decreased sleep quality, increased stress, disturbed mood and altered physiologic chemicals. It is found to be more prevalent in females and is experimentally diagnosed by the Cervical Flexion-Rotation Test (CFRT) which is performed by a therapist. Also, the upper trapezius midpoint (2 cm lateral to C2) mostly acts as a pressure point. Other pressure points in cervical region may also develop. The pain is mostly on one side and remains on one side. It can be dull aching or pressure like pain. No photophobia, phonophobia, nausea, or tearing of eyes is associated with it. In the modern age, smartphone addiction (SPA) contributes significantly to CGH by promoting forward head posture, rounded shoulders, and impaired proprioception. (4)Despite this, there is a clear gap in the literature regarding body awareness, ergonomics, and targeted prevention strategies for smartphone-related postural problems. There is an urgent need for structured training programs and therapeutic interventions to address these concerns, combined with long-term follow-up studies. In this study, investigators focus on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a key biomarker of pain sensitization. Chronic stress and pain reduce neuronal BDNF uptake, decreasing the serum BDNF levels, while effective interventions are expected to elevate BDNF levels, improving motor performance and reducing nociceptive signaling. Literature shows that there is a significant increase in BDNF levels in moderate intensity aerobic exercise groups as compared to the control group. This study aims to improve BDNF levels through isometric targeted exercise and ultimately improve the synaptic plasticity, mitochondrial activity, increased beta-endorphins. An increase in body temperature through exercise will also reduce pain sensitization and improve function. In this study, we also target stress levels by focusing on cortisol as a biomarker. As the physiological and psychological stress is increased due to prolonged flexion and increased screen tim,e sleep quality is also disturbed. We aim to evaluate whether targeted isometric neck exercises can enhance BDNF levels, regulate cortisol as a stress marker, and ultimately improve CGH symptoms. As we know that high stress elevates cortisol and disrupts the HPA axis, This study was having hypothesis that exercise-induced adaptations will downregulate the HPA axis, decrease cortisol, restore neuronal health, and enhance cognitive and motor functions and we also address how poor sleep, exacerbated by excessive screen time, contributes to cognitive, memory, and metabolic issues. By investigating the effects of exercise on sleep quality, our study fills a crucial research gap linking SPA, stress, BDNF, cortisol, and CGH offering a novel therapeutic approach that combines patient education, circadian rhythm alignment, and structured isometric exercise to improve health outcomes in adolescents.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adolescents aged 13 to 19 years. * Smartphone addiction, defined as using a smartphone for ≥4 hours per day. * A confirmed diagnosis of Cervicogenic Headache (CGH), as determined by a positive Cervical Flexion-Rotation Test (CFRT) performed by a physical therapist. Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of other primary headache disorders (e.g., migraine, tension-type headache, cluster headache) or sinusitis. * Presence of fever, cranial tumors, meningitis, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. * Known carotid or vertebral artery dysfunction. * Significant use of other screened devices (e.g., tablets, laptops) that would confound the primary exposure. * History of prior neck injuries or cervical fractures. * Any medical condition that renders the individual unfit to participate in a moderate exercise program. * Presence of photophobia or phonophobia. * Current drug addiction. * Extreme, uncorrectable vision issues (Snellen chart score worse than 20/200 in either eye).
Contact & Investigator
Misbah Ali Syed
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Khyber Medical University
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07354776 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 13 Years or older, up to 19 Years, studying Cervicogenic Headache. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07354776 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07354776 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at misbahalisyed.ibms@kmu.edu.pk for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07354776 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Peshawar, Pakistan.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07354776 clinical trial?
NCT07354776 is sponsored by Khyber Medical University Peshawar. The principal investigator is Misbah Ali Syed at Khyber Medical University. The trial plans to enroll 44 participants.