Manual joint mobilisation techniques, supervised physical activity, psychological treatment, acupuncture and patient education in migraine treatment. A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Many people suffering from migraine combine pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide an updated guideline for some widely used non-pharmacological treatment options for migraine. Methods We conducted a systematic literature review of randomized studies of adults with migraine treated with manual joint mobilisation techniques, supervised physical activity, psychological treatment, acupuncture and patient education. The main outcomes measured were days with headache and quality of life. Recommendations were formulated based on the Grade of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach including patient preferences based on expert opinion and questionnaire data. Results The overall level of certainty of the evidence was low to very low. Manual therapy techniques and psychological treatment did not change the studied outcomes. Supervised physical activity might have a positive impact on quality of life, acupuncture on headache frequency, intensity, quality of life and the use of attack-medicine. Patient education might improve self-rated health and quality of life and increase the number of well-informed patients. Conclusion Based on observed effects, the lack of serious adverse events, and patients' preferences, we make weak recommendations for considering the investigated interventions as a supplement to standard treatment. Protocol registration: Prospero CRD42020220132.

Automated summary

The systematic review on non-pharmacological treatment options for migraine found that supervised physical activity may have a positive impact on quality of life, acupuncture could affect headache frequency, intensity, quality of life, and medication usage, and patient education may improve self-rated health, quality of life, and increase informed patients. However, the overall certainty of the evidence was low to very low.