Yoga for Chronic Headache in Adolescents

Randomisierte Kontrollierte Studie Zur Wirkung Von Yoga Bei Chronischen Kopfschmerzen im Jugendalter

A randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of yoga on tension type headache and / or migraine in adolescents between 12 and 16 years, consisting of a four group design which includes an 12 week yoga course and a three-month follow-up period. Both adolescent and one parent will be randomized either to yoga or no treatment. Primary outcome will be pain frequency in adolescents considering pain catastrophizing of parents.

Inclusion Criteria:

Adolescent:

• tension type headache and/or migraine minimum at 4 days per month
• willingness to participate at least 10 out of 12 yoga sessions
• physical and cognitive ability to participate in light physical, breathing and relaxation exercises
• good german language

Parents:

• willingness to participate at least 10 out of 12 yoga sessions
• physical and cognitive ability to participate in light physical, breathing and relaxation exercises
• good german language

Exclusion Criteria:

• pregnancy or lactation
• attending a yoga class within the last 3 months prior to the study