Impact of promoting physical exercise on migraine - a video-based randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of an educational video-based intervention on physical activity and migraine-related outcomes. Background: Migraine significantly impacts quality of life, and despite pharmacological treatments, many patients remain refractory. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as physical exercise, have shown potential benefits. This study evaluates a tailored exercise video program for migraine management. Methods: This single-center, single-blinded randomized clinical trial included 65 migraine patients from a tertiary hospital in Porto, Portugal. Participants were stratified by age and randomized into an intervention group, receiving seven educational videos on exercise benefits over three months, or a control group, receiving usual care. Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0) and six months later (T6). Primary and secondary outcomes included the Headache Impact Test - 6 item (HIT-6) score, migraine frequency, medication use, and three Physical Activity Indices. Preventive treatments followed standard clinical practice, with blinded for intervention medical doctors. Statistical analyses included group comparisons and intragroup analyses (p ≤ 0.05). Results: Among 105 randomized patients, 65 completed the study. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. The intervention group showed significant reductions in headache frequency (p = 0.003) and acute medication intake (p = 0.005). No significant improvements were observed in HIT-6 score or physical activity indices. Higher leisure-time physical activity was correlated with lower HIT-6 score at baseline. Conclusion: Video-based educational interventions may reduce migraine frequency and medication use. Longer follow-up is needed to assess long-term effects on quality of life. Future research should integrate educational, behavioural, and pharmacological strategies for improved migraine management.