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

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

Journal: The journal of headache and pain 2019;20(1):16

PMID: 30764753

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Plain Language Summary

In the age group 15–49 years, migraine is the top cause of years lived with disability, magnifying its impact on the working population. The aim of this study was to summarise the literature published after 2004 on the effect of aerobic exercise in patients with migraine on the number of migraine days, attack duration and pain intensity. This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis of six studies. Result indicate that aerobic exercise can reduce pain intensity (20–54%) in patients with migraine (moderate quality evidence). Furthermore, low quality evidence indicates that aerobic exercise can decrease pain intensity or duration of migraine attacks. Authors conclude that there is moderate evidence that aerobic exercise decreases the number of migraine days.

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 .

Address: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.; Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium.; Department of Translational Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.; Department of Neurology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.; Department of General Practice and Elderly Care Medicine, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, VU University Medical Center, van der Boechorststraat 7, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.; Healthcare Center Haarlemmermeer, Waddenweg 1, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands.; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. [email protected].

DOI: 10.1186/s10194-019-0961-8