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Effectiveness of a manual therapy protocol based on articulatory techniques in migraine patients. A randomized controlled trial

E. Muñoz-Gómez, M. Inglés, P. Serra-Añó, G. Espí-López

Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 2021

25 participants · 33 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Physiotherapy is used as a non-pharmacological treatment for migraine. However, controversy exists over whether articulatory manual techniques are effective in some aspects related to migraine.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of a manual therapy protocol based on articulatory techniques in pain intensity, frequency of episodes, migraine disability, quality of life, medication intake and self-reported perceived change after treatment in migraine patients.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Fifty individuals with migraine were randomized into the experimental group, which received manual therapy based on articulatory techniques (n = 25), or the placebo group (n = 25). The intervention lasted 4 weeks and included 4 sessions. Patients were assessed before (T1), after (T2) and at a one-month follow-up following the intervention (T3). The instruments used were the Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) questionnaire, the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36), the medication intake and The Patients' Global Impression of Change scale.

RESULTS

In comparison with placebo group, manual therapy patients reported significant effects on pain intensity at T2 (p < 0.001; d = 1.15) and at T3 (p < 0.001; d = 1.13), migraine disability at T3 (p < 0.05; d = 0.69), physical quality of life at T2 (p < 0.05; d = 0.72), overall quality of life at T2 (p < 0.05; d = 0.60), decrease in medication intake at T2 (p < 0.001; d = 1.11) and at T3 (p < 0.05; d = 0.77) and…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 25 participants or records.

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