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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Migraine | Review article

The effect of aerobic exercise on the number of migraine days, duration and pain intensity in migraine: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Authors: Joris Lemmens, Joke De Pauw, Timia Van Soom, Sarah Michiels, Jan Versijpt, Eric van Breda, René Castien, Willem De Hertogh

Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

In patients with frequent migraine, prophylactic treatments are used. Patients often request non-pharmacological alternatives. One treatment option can be aerobic exercise. The value of aerobic exercise as prophylactic treatment however needs to be determined.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to investigate the result of aerobic exercise on the number of migraine days, duration and pain intensity in patients with migraine. After screening three online databases, PubMed, Cochrane library and Web of Science, using predefined in- and exclusion criteria, six studies were retained. Pooling of data was performed when possible.

Results

Significant reductions in the number of migraine days after aerobic exercise treatment were found with a mean reduction of 0.6 ± 0.3 migraine days/month. Other outcomes were too variable to pool due to heterogeneity of outcome measurements. Unpooled data revealed small to moderate reductions in attack duration (20–27%) and pain intensity (20–54%) after aerobic exercise intervention. Various exercise intensities are applied.

Conclusion

There is moderate quality evidence that in patients with migraine aerobic exercise therapy can decrease the number of migraine days. No conclusion for pain intensity or duration of attacks can be drawn. Effect sizes are small due to a lack of uniformity. For future studies, we recommend standardized outcome measures and sufficiently intense training programs.

Trial registration

CRD42018091178.

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Title: The effect of aerobic exercise on the number of migraine days, duration and pain intensity in migraine: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis
Authors: Joris Lemmens
Joke De Pauw
Timia Van Soom
Sarah Michiels
Jan Versijpt
Eric van Breda
René Castien
Willem De Hertogh
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: Springer Milan
Keywords: Migraine
Headache
Published in: The Journal of Headache and Pain / Issue 1/2019
Print ISSN: 1129-2369
Electronic ISSN: 1129-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s10194-019-0961-8

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The effect of aerobic exercise on the number of migraine days, duration and pain intensity in migraine: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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