High-Intensity Interval Training and Progressive Muscle Relaxation as a Movement-Based Group Intervention for the Non-Pharmacological Prevention of Adolescent Migraine: A Controlled Pilot Study
Abstract
Background: The prevalence of migraine during adolescence is 7.7%, affecting 9.7% of girls and 6.0% of boys. Despite its high prevalence, treatment options remain limited. Insufficient treatment may increase the risk of headache chronification or the development of medication-overuse headache. In Tyrol, 21.7% of children and adolescents with chronic headache exhibit medication overuse.
To improve the care of adolescents with migraine, a regularly scheduled, professionally supervised group intervention could be of considerable value. Physical exercise and relaxation techniques are already recommended in guidelines for migraine management. Although there is a substantial body of evidence regarding the effectiveness of these non-pharmacological preventive approaches in adults, findings remain heterogeneous, making it difficult to reliably estimate their true effect. Evidence in children and adolescents is still scarce.
Methods: We hypothesize that a combination of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) may provide a particularly effective non-pharmacological preventive approach. In addition, the psychosocial benefits of exercising together represent an important component of the intervention, which is therefore delivered in a group setting.
Although patients are routinely advised during medical consultations to increase their level of physical activity, implementing this recommendation in everyday life can be challenging for many…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical 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: 27 participants or records.
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