Physiotherapy Intervention for Migraine Symptoms

Habitual aerobic exercise has a major advantage of preventing or reducing symptoms of several chronic diseases and medical conditions. Aerobic or cardiovascular exercise by definition is a form of bodily movement that is fueled by aerobic energy-generating processes, where the energy demands of the exercise performed do not exceed the rate at which the cardiovascular system can supply oxygen to working muscles. Aerobic exercises have already proven to reduce frequency, duration, severity or associated disability in migraine. The physiology is that when one exercises, the body releases endorphins, which are the body's natural painkillers and natural anti-depressants chemicals called enkephalins. According to Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adult should exercise 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise and 2 or more days a week of muscle strengthening each week for relief of migraine or primary headaches. Similarly, a study conducted comparing neck treatment and aerobic exercise concluded that 5 weeks of intervention for migraine patient responded with better outcomes. According to American migraine foundation the exercise program, should include the cardiorespiratory fitness, flexibility exercises and muscular strengthening. For this reason, several studies encourage a multidisciplinary and tailored treatment approach for these patients. Hence the study aim to assess the efficacy of physiotherapy intervention especially aerobic exercise among university students with migraine symptoms.