A new study published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain examining the effects of indoor cycling further support that non-aggressive, non-stressful exercise might help some migraine sufferers. While physical exercise has been shown to trigger migraine headaches among sufferers, this study describes an exercise program that is well tolerated by patients. The findings show that the program decreased the frequency of headaches and improved quality of life.

In my estimation, stress is a definitive contributor to migraines. Gentle, consistent exercise like walking has been shown to decrease stress and therefore may help reduce migraine frequency.

If you decide to add exercise to you daily routine, do it slowly and gently. It is unknown whether or not walking will generate similar results reported for indoor cycling in this study. (*See below)

gentle exercise

– – Curt Hendrix

FROM THE HEADACHE: JOURNAL OF HEAD AND FACE PAIN…

*The study used a sample of migraine sufferers who were examined before, during and after an aerobic exercise intervention. The program was based on indoor cycling (for continuous aerobic exercise) and was designed to improve maximal oxygen uptake without worsening the patients’ migraines. After the treatment period, patients’ maximum oxygen uptake increased significantly. There was no worsening of migraine status at any time during the study period and, during the last month of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the number of migraine attacks, the number of days with migraine per month, headache intensity and amount of headache medication used.

Individuals with headache and migraine typically are less physically active than those without headache. Patients with migraine often avoid exercise, resulting in less aerobic endurance and flexibility. Therefore, well designed studies of exercise in patients with migraine are imperative.

“While the optimal amount of exercise for patients with migraine remains unknown, our evaluated program can now be tested further and compared to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to see if exercise can prevent migraine,” says Dr. Emma Varkey, co-author of the study.

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The MigreLief collection of supplements was created by Akeso Health Sciences to help migraine sufferers of all ages. AKESO formulates world class dietary supplements that provide nutritional support for the most common health issues that concern people most, such as migraines, headaches, joint health, stress & anxiety, memory, sleeplessness, ADHD, and more. Changing lives is the reasons we wake up every day passionate about the special products we provide to our customers. Helping you to get well and stay well is our bottom line.