Effectiveness and influence of mindfulness-based intervention on migraine patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
PURPOSE
Migraines are among the top causes of global disability and are often managed with pharmacological treatments, which may produce adverse effects. Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have emerged as promising non-pharmacological approaches, yet existing studies report mixed findings. This meta-analysis aimed to clarify the effectiveness of MBIs in improving pain, psychological, and functional outcomes among adults with migraine.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving adults (≥18 years) with a clinical diagnosis of migraine. Four databases-Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, and ProQuest Central-were searched from 1982 to July 2025. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Meta-analyses were performed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software Version 4 and R.
RESULTS
Fourteen RCTs with 1027 participants were included. MBIs were associated with significant reductions in pain intensity (standardized mean difference: 0.23 [95 % CI: 0.11-0.35]) and pain frequency (0.33 [0.11-0.54]), as well as improvements in quality of life (0.24 [0.08-0.40]). Psychological outcomes improved significantly, including anxiety (0.37 [0.14-0.61]), depression (0.26 [0.06-0.45]), and pain catastrophizing (0.57 [0.35-0.80]). No significant effects were found for activity-related disability (0.18 [-0.01-0.38]) or use of analgesic medications (0.07 [-0.06-0.20]) and triptans (0.04 [-0.13-0.21]).
CONCLUSIONS
MBIs may…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,027 participants or records.
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