Aerobic exercise with relaxation:: Influence on pain and psychological well-being in female migraine patients

Objective: The objective of this pilot study was to address the influence of an aerobic exercise program combined with relaxation on pain and psychological variables in migraine patients. Design: Controlled, randomised design with half of the group receiving an intervention (aerobic exercise group) in addition to standard medical care received by all patients. Setting/Patients/Outcome Measurement: Thirty female migraine outpatients completed a range of psychological questionnaires measuring sensational and affective dimensions of pain, body image, depression, and quality of life. Intervention: The aerobic exercise group (n = 15) participated in a 6-week, twice-weekly, indoor exercise program (45 minutes of gymnastics with music and 15 minutes of progressive muscle relaxation). Results/Conclusion: The program led to a significant reduction of self-rated migraine pain intensity. Although there was an improvement in depression-related symptoms within the aerobic exercise group, no significant differences in psychological variables between groups were found.