Does running reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks? A systematic review with meta-analysis

Abstract

IntroductionMigraine is a complex headache to treat, often with an unsatisfactory clinical response. Aerobic exercise, such as running, can be a non-pharmacological treatment to reduce migraine attacks.ObjectiveThis systematic review with meta-analysis investigated the effects of running on frequency and intensity of pain in subjects with migraine compared with other or no aerobic exercise.MethodsRandomized and quasi-randomized clinical trials were searched between September and November 2021 in BVS, PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool assessed methodological quality, and the recommendation ranking assessed the certainty of evidence. The frequency of migraine attacks was pooled in a meta-analysis (random effects) that included interval and continuous running subgroups.ConclusionThe results were not sufficient to recommend running as a treatment to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.