Reducing Sedentary Time
- Emphasize sitting less rather than just moving more.
- WHO recommends limiting sedentary time to less than 8 hours per day.
- Chronic inflammation from prolonged sitting may contribute to migraine pathogenesis.
Regular Exercise Routine
- Combine moderate aerobic exercise and muscle strengthening.
- Aim for 150-300 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise or 75-150 minutes of vigorous exercise weekly.
- Include 2 days of muscle strengthening exercises.
- Intensity should be individually tailored.
Strength Training
- A review of 21 clinical trials found strength training more effective than high-intensity aerobic exercise, topiramate, and amitriptyline in reducing migraines.
- Strength training helps increase and preserve lean muscle mass, linked to reduced migraine frequency.
- It addresses central sensitization common in pain syndromes.
- High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise:
High-Intensity Aerobic Exercise
- This can enhance exercise-mediated hypoalgesia (pain reduction), potentially beneficial for migraine management.
Collaborative Management
- Encourage collaboration between patients and healthcare providers for optimal exercise management.
- Lifestyle adjustments, including exercise, should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
References
- Anderson, Pauline. “Recommending exercise for migraine: Just do It.” Journal of Neurology Reviews, Jan. 2023.
- Haelle, Tara. “Moving more, sitting less vital for migraine patients.” Journal of Neurology Reviews, July 2021.
- Woldeamanuel, Y., & Oliveira, ABD. "Efficacy of aerobic exercise vs. strength training in the treatment of migraine." Journal of Headache and Pain, 2022.