While physical exercise has been shown to trigger migraines among sufferers, a new study demonstrates an exercise program that is well tolerated by migraine patients. The findings show that the program decreased the frequency of migraines and improved quality of life.
Some migraine patients have found that regular exercise helps in reducing the frequency of migraines, and many headache experts recommend exercise in migraines.
Previous studies and case reports have investigated the therapeutic role of aerobic exercise in migraines. The majority of studies did not find a significant reduction of migraine attacks or duration of migraines and only indicate a reduction of pain intensities in migraine patients due to regular exercise.
In this new study a sample of migraine sufferers were examined before, during and after an aerobic exercise intervention. The program was based on indoor cycling (for continuous aerobic exercise) and was designed to improve maximal oxygen uptake without worsening the patients’ migraines.
After the treatment period, patients’ maximum oxygen uptake increased significantly. There was no worsening of migraine status at any time during the study period and, during the last month of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the number of migraine attacks, the number of days with migraine per month, migraine intensity and amount of migraine medication used.
Individuals with headaches and migraines are typically are less physically active than those without. Patients with migraines often avoid exercise, resulting in less aerobic endurance and flexibility.
“While the optimal amount of exercise for patients with migraines remains unknown, our evaluated program can now be tested further and compared to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to see if exercise can prevent migraines,” says Dr. Emma Varkey, co-author of the study.
References:
1. Emma Varkey, et al. Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain.
2. Busch V, Gaul C. Exercise in migraine therapy–is there any evidence for efficacy? A critical review. Headache. 2008 Jun;48(6):890-9. PMID: 18572431.
3. Image by systmh.
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I bought an elliptical, nothing to do with my migraines, strangely enough I have found my migraines have decreased. Not sure if this had anything to do with it. that’s why I read this study. If nothing else I will do a minimum of 30 minutes a day if it helps. It’s better than drugs or pain.
I have run 10 miles this week and lifted, put in about 6 to 7 hours at the gym. Had a migraine 5 out of 7 days this week. Working out has no effect on my migraines. Does make me feel better but does not decrease migraines.