Background and purpose: Episodic tension headache (TTH) and migraine, both categorized as primary headache types, account for 60–90% of headache complaints and are three times more common among young women. This study aimed to explore the comparative effectiveness of progressive relaxation training (PRT) on pain characteristics, attack frequency, activity self-efficacy, and pain-related disability in women with episodic TTH and migraine. Materials and methods: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06050382). This prospective study included women with episodic TTH (n=20) and migraine (n=20). The pain intensity, impact of headaches on life, activity self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing, and pain-related disability levels of both groups were measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), Occupational Self-Assessment Scale (OSAS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2 (WHODAS-II) pre- and post-intervention, respectively. Both TTH and migraine groups received PRT twice a week for six weeks, Results: Within-group comparisons showed significant decreases in attack frequency, VAS, HIT-6, PCS, and WHODAS-II scores in both groups post-intervention (p<0.001). Also, both groups showed an increase in OSAS proficiency scores (p<0.001). The between-group comparison showed that the attack frequency, VAS, HIT-6, PCS, and WHODAS-II scores were lower in the migraine group than the TTH group. However, all sub-scores of the OSAS were higher in the migraine group (p<0.001). Conclusions: PRT showed positive effects on pain intensity, attack frequency, activity self-efficacy, and pain-related disability in both groups, more so in the TTH group.

Purpose: Recently, it has been stated that there is a relationship between primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and fuction and alignment of the musculoskeletal system. The aim of this study was to compare spinal posture and mobility in women with and without PD. Methods: Women with (PD group, n=23, age=20.91 +/- 2.02 years, body mass index [BMI]= 21.63 +/- 2.98 kg/m(2)), and without (Control group, n=22, age=20.18 +/- 1.22 years, BMI= 20.79 +/- 2.43 kg/m(2)) PD were included in the study. Menstrual symptoms of women were recorded. Menstrual pain intensity with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), spinal posture and mobility with Valedo (R) Shape spinal posture and mobility measurement device (Hocoma, Idiag GmbH, Fehraltorf, Switzerland) were evaluated. Results: Menstrual symptoms of groups were similar (p>0.05). The mean value of the menstrual pain intensity in the PD group was 6.54 +/- 1.60 cm. There was no difference between thoracic, lumbar, sacral-hip, and inclination angles in the sagittal and frontal planes of the groups (p>0.05). It was found that the sacrum-hip mobility in the sagittal plane (p=0.025) and the thoracic (p=0.010) and lumbar mobility (p=0.020) in the frontal plane in PD group were lower than control group. The other mobility parameters were similar between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: In PD group compared to control group, the spinal posture did not change; however, it was seen that the spinal mobility decreased. According to results, it may be important to take into account decreased spinal mobility in the evaluation and treatment approaches of the PD in clinics.

Importance: Psychosocial well-being during pregnancy influences maternal health and adjustment to motherhood. Targeted interventions may enhance emotional resilience and occupational functioning. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Maternal Role Preparation Training (MRPT) and Awareness-Centered Occupational Therapy (ACOT) on anxiety, depression, coping styles, emotion regulation, and quality of life (QoL) in pregnant women. Design: Three-arm randomized controlled trial. Setting: Hospital obstetrics and gynecology clinics in Türkiye. Participants: Healthy pregnant women in their second trimester (N = 74) who met inclusion criteria. Intervention: Participants were assigned to MRPT (n = 23), ACOT (n = 23), or the control group (n = 28). Group sessions occurred 2×/wk for 8 wk. Assessments were conducted at pretest (second trimester), posttest (third trimester), and 12-wk postpartum follow-up. Kruskal–Wallis (KW) and Friedman tests were used. MRPT targeted maternal role development, and ACOT emphasized self-awareness in daily occupations; both followed manualized protocols. Outcomes and Measures: The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Styles of Coping With Stress Scale, Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, and Nottingham Health Profile. Results: ACOT significantly reduced anxiety (χ2 = 31.97, p < .01), improved emotion regulation, and enhanced QoL (KW = 43.55; p < .001). MRPT was more effective in reducing depression (χ2 = 17.73, p < .01) and promoting adaptive coping. Both interventions reduced maladaptive strategies. Pain and sleep gains lessened at follow-up. Conclusions and Relevance: ACOT is superior for anxiety, emotion regulation, and QoL; MRPT more effectively supports depression and coping. Occupational therapists may select approaches on the basis of individual psychosocial profiles during pregnancy. Plain-Language Summary: This study explored how two different occupational therapy programs helped pregnant women improve their emotional well-being. One program helped participants prepare for the maternal role with education and group discussions; the other program used activities that supported body awareness and emotional self-regulation. Women who took part in the awareness-based sessions had less anxiety and felt more in control of their emotions. Those in the maternal role group showed less depression and coped with stress more effectively. Both programs helped improve quality of life. These results suggest that occupational therapy can support emotional health during pregnancy.