Effectiveness of jogging, eye movement exercises, and diaphragmatic breathing in patients with migraine: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background: The recurrent and progressive presence of maladaptive stress response-related activities or electrophysiological dysresponsiveness are apparent in a brain with migraine. Objectives: Various methods have been suggested to regulate stress response-related activities in a brain with migraine, including jogging, eye movement exercises, and diaphragmatic breathing. Methods: A three-group, double-blind, and randomized design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessments was used to test the effectiveness of jogging, eye movement exercises, and diaphragmatic breathing in the treatment of patients with migraine. International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition (ICHD-3) was used to diagnose the patients with migraine, who were randomly assigned to one of the three study groups to perform either 12 consecutive weeks of (a) jogging plus eye movement exercises (n = 22) ;(b) jogging plus diaphragmatic breathing (n = 19); or (c) treatment as usual (TAU), receiving prescribed medication (n = 22) group. Results: The results of a series of MANCOVA showed that patients in the two experimental groups showed significant (p < .05) reductions in the frequency, duration, and intensity of their migraine attacks compared to the TAU group. Moreover, the frequency of menstrual cycle-dependent headache attacks and over the counter drugs use were reduced, and the quality of sleep and drinking water were improved at post-test and a 12-month follow-up. Conclusion: The results suggest that jogging plus eye movement exercises or jogging plus diaphragmatic breathing can be used as effective alternative interventions in the treatment of migraine.