Does running reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks? A systematic review with meta-analysis

Introduction:Migraine is a complex headache to treat, often with an unsatisfactory clinical response. Aerobic exercise, such as running, can be a non-pharmacological treatment to reduce migraine attacks. Objective:This systematic review with meta-analysis investigated the effects of running on frequency and intensity of pain in subjects with migraine compared with other or no aerobic exercise. Methods:Randomized and quasi-randomized clinical trials were searched between September and November 2021 in BVS, PubMed, Cochrane, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Embase, and Web of Science databases. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool assessed methodological quality, and the recommendation ranking assessed the certainty of evidence. The frequency of migraine attacks was pooled in a meta-analysis (random effects) that included interval and continuous running subgroups. Results:Only two of the 483 studies analyzed were included in the review (52 individuals, 81% females). Migraine intensity was not included in the meta-analysis because only one study measured this outcome. None of the studies demonstrated that running reduced the frequency of migraine attacks (MD = -0.40 [95% CI = -1.61 to 0.81]). The studies included presented a high risk of bias and very low certainty of evidence. Conclusion:The results were not sufficient to recommend running as a treatment to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks.