Heartmath Migraine Study

A Pilot Single-center Randomized Controlled Study of the Effects of Smartphone Based Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback in People With Migraine

This is a two arm study comparing smartphone based heart rate variability biofeedback using the HeartMath app and InnerBalance sensor to waitlist control on migraine quality of life.

The primary objective of this study is to determine whether there is any superiority between an 8-week program of app based HRV biofeedback (HeartMath) compared to wait list control in migraine quality of life. Investigators will also look:

• To determine whether there is any superiority between an 8-week program of app based HRV biofeedback (HeartMath) and wait list control in depression in people with migraine.
• To determine whether there is any superiority between an 8-week program of app based HRV biofeedback (HeartMath) and wait list control in anxiety in people with migraine.
• To determine whether there is any superiority between an 8-week program of app based HRV biofeedback (HeartMath) and wait list control in insomnia in people with migraine.

Inclusion Criteria:

• International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) 3 criteria for migraine
• 4-20 headache days/month
• Has not done behavioral therapy for migraine in the past year
• Has a smartphone and willing to try HRV biofeedback using an app and ear monitor
• English speaking
• HS graduate or higher level of education
• Patients must not make preventive medication changes for the course of the study. If patients just changed their preventive medication, they must wait a month before enrolling.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Doing any form of behavioral therapy for pain in the past year