Migraine and Sport in a Physically Active Population of Students: Results of a Cross‐Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective In this study, we explored the relationship between migraine and sport in a physically active population of students, analyzing the risk of migraine among sporty students. Background The relationship between sport and migraine is controversial; moreover, several studies report on sport as a migraine trigger, but there is evidence that physical activity could have a relevant role in migraine prevention. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted using the validated ID‐migraine questionnaire including specific demo‐anthropometric (gender, age, weight, height) and sports variables on a potentially active student population of the University of Palermo. Evaluation in putative migraine subjects of clinical features and disability was explored through the administration of the Italian version of the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using univariate and logistic regression analyses. Results Three hundred and ninety‐three out of 520 students (210 F, mean age: 23.5 ± 0.7 years; 183 M; mean age: 20.5 ± 0.7 years) participated in this study. Migraine screened positive in 102 subjects (26.0%) and its prevalence was significantly higher among females (P < .001). An increased risk of migraine was found in females, and a protective effect of sport on the risk of migraine among females, but not among males. Conclusions The role of exercise in migraine is still unclear. This study supports a protective role of sport in migraine reporting a protective effect in females. Further studies are needed to deepen the association between sport and migraine.

CGRP Inhibitors and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Resistant Migraine: A Real-Life Study with Erenumab, Fremanezumab, and Galcanezumab

“…This parameter is important, as recently demonstrated during the pandemic when both physical activity levels and sleep quality dropped in migraine patients [ 23 ]. The link between oxidative stress, physical activity, and sleep quality could somehow reside in the CGRP system [ 12 , 13 , 23 ].…”

“…Hemodynamic changes related to neurotransmitters concentration, physical ac-tivity, and the associated oxidative stress are important fields of investigation in mi-graine to achieve this goal [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Metabolic Aspects of Migraine: Association With Obesity and Diabetes Mellitus

“…As we mentioned before, weight loss after bariatric surgery may be beneficial in reducing the duration and severity of migraine attacks, and even in preventing them ( 128 , 129 ). Moreover, several studies have reported that weight loss related to lifestyle sliming strategies, such as physical activity and exercise and/or sports help reduce the frequency of migraine attacks or might exert a protective effect on individuals who suffer from it ( 145 – 147 ). Nevertheless, the specific role of exercise in migraine is still unclear, especially when considering that both the frequency and intensity of exercise/sports can also trigger migraine attacks ( 146 ).…”

“…Nevertheless, the specific role of exercise in migraine is still unclear, especially when considering that both the frequency and intensity of exercise/sports can also trigger migraine attacks ( 146 ). Therefore, further studies are needed to understand the association between sports and migraine ( 147 ), keeping in mind the study limitations and confounding factors.…”

Social Distancing in Chronic Migraine during the COVID-19 Outbreak: Results from a Multicenter Observational Study

“…It is a well-known fact that inactivity and sedentarism can lead to early specific alterations in the skeletal muscle [19][20][21][22]. In particular, high intensity PA is reported as a precipitant factor for migraine [23], while regular and moderate PA show a protective role in such patients [24,25]. Thus, Varkey et al (2008) showed a strong linear trend of higher prevalence of low PA with increasing headache frequency [26].…”