Impact of modified yoga compared to conventional therapy on pain characteristics, cardiorespiratory endurance, body flexibility, salivary cortisol levels, and levels of depression, in patients with cervicogenic headache, a randomized clinical trial

Introduction: Cervicogenic Headache (CGH) is a chronic headache with a significant prevalence. The pain intensity associated with CGH is usually severe, significantly diminishing the quality of life for those affected. Yoga is thought to promote muscle endurance, body flexibility, and muscle elasticity. The author seeks to explore the potential benefits of yoga for individuals suffering from CGH. Methods: This was a Randomized Control Trial (RCT), conducted at Qadr Hospital, Banten, focusing on patients aged 18-60 years who visited the neurologist with headaches. The inclusion criteria were patients who had chronic headache originating from the neck (CGH) for a minimum of 12 weeks with at least 6 weeks of treatment. The subjects were divided into two groups; the control group, which received medication, and the yoga group, which received medication as well as participated in modified yoga exercises for 12 weeks, 2 times per week with duration of 90 minutes. After 3 months of intervention, the predictors were re-examined. Result: Out of 53 subjects, 26 were in the control group and 27 were in the yoga group. There were significant differences between the two groups in mean VO2max after the intervention (p = 0.048), mean body flexibility after the intervention (p < 0.001), mean afternoon salivary cortisol after the intervention (p = 0.027), pain characteristics (intensity, frequency, duration (p < 0.001)), and level of depression (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Modified yoga gives better clinical improvement compared to conventional therapy for CGH patients.