Yoga-based breathing and relaxation as adjunctive therapy for chronic migraine: A randomized controlled trial on clinical outcomes and autonomic regulation
Abstract
Background: Chronic migraine is a disabling neurological condition often associated with autonomic dysregulation. Yoga-based interventions, particularly pranayama and relaxation, may provide non-pharmacological benefits; however, few studies have systematically evaluated their physiological and clinical impact.
Objective: To assess the adjunctive effects of a structured pranayama and relaxation (P + R) program on clinical outcomes and autonomic function in patients with chronic migraine receiving standard medical treatment.
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 90 adults with chronic migraine were assigned to either a P + R intervention or a control group. The P + R group received daily guided sessions for 12 weeks alongside standard pharmacological care, while the control group continued standard care alone. The primary outcome was change in monthly headache frequency. Secondary outcomes included headache intensity (VAS), migraine-related disability (HIT-6), quality of life (SF-36), and autonomic function assessed through heart rate variability and standardized autonomic tests. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 12 weeks.
Results: Both groups exhibited significant clinical improvement following the intervention period. However, the intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in headache frequency (mean reduction - 7.1 vs - 4.6 days/month, p < 0.001), pain intensity (∆VAS - 6.8 vs - 3.2, p < 0.001), and disability scores (∆HIT-6 -…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 90 participants or records.
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