Strength and Mobility of the Neck-Shoulder Region in Females Students with Tension-Type Headache in UOH, KSA

Background Tension-type headache (TTH) is a neurological issue described by an inclination to attacks of mild to moderate headache with few related side effects. TTH is highly prevalent, about 80 % of the population will experience it at some time. Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the differences in the strength and mobility of neck-shoulder region between UOH females students with TTH and healthy controls. Method The comparative cross sectional study consisted of 30 students with tension-type headache (TTH), and 30 headache-free controls. Dynamic muscle strength of the upper extremities (UE endurance), mobility of both shoulders (UE mobility), and the cervical range of motion (CROM) were measured. Results Students suffering from TTH had lower values of the cervical lateral flexion to non-dominant side (45 7.58) than the students in the control (50.66 13.94). UE endurance in both dominant (27.13 4.41), and non-dominant UE (28.06 3.18), was significantly weaker in the group of students with TTH. Conclusion A significant association was revealed between the TTH and the low endurance strength of both UEs and low dominant side cervical lateral flexion in female students in UOH.