EXErcise in MIGraine

Study of the Effects of a Multidisciplinary Intervention -Including Physical Exercise- in People With High-frequency Episodic Migraine and Chronic Migraine

The study project aims to implement therapeutic patient education for migraine, promoting improvement in outpatient clinical practice by providing counseling moments specifically dedicated to known health risk factors (sedentary lifestyle, physical inactivity, unhealthy eating habits), thanks to the integration of the skills of Neurology Specialists and those of CURIAMo.

140 people with high-frequency, episodic or chronic migraine, referred to the Headache Center at Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital in Perugia for neurological examination, will be able to join this project on a voluntary and free basis.

All study participants will be invited to participate a:

1. - specialist visit at the Headache Centre;
2. a - anthropometric, metabolic, and dietary assessment;

2b - self-administered (via a digital, online, form divided into four parts) and researcher-administered questionnaires; 2c - kinesiological assessment of functional capacities (aerobic capacity, muscle strength and flexibility); 2d - complete postural evaluation (divided into objective, instrumental, functional and neuromotor examination); 2e - traditional/complete gnathological evaluation, according to international diagnostic criteria.

According to a randomized allocation, participants will be assigned to two groups:

• Group 1, n° 70 people with migraine in standard treatment (control arm).
• Group 2, n° 70 people with migraine in standard treatment + adapted exercise program supervised by specialized kinesiologists (intervention arm).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Migraine with and without aura.
• Number of attacks month ≥ 8 and < 15 for episodic high-frequency patients and ≥ 15 for chronic migraine patients for at least 3 months.
• Age 18 to 65 years at screening.
• Physical inactivity (defined as insufficient amount of physical activity practiced according to current guidelines, i.e. <150 min./week).
• Ability to walk independently at the time of assessment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years or older than 65 years;
• clinical evidence of significant cardiovascular, central nervous system, and musculoskeletal disease that may limit or contraindicate exercise practice.
• Failure to give consent to the study.