Relaxation training for management of paediatric headache: A rapid review

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Neurology
• Behavioral Medicine
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Headaches are a common complaint in children and adolescents.
• Non-pharmacological interventions, such as relaxation training, are explored for managing pediatric headaches.
• The current evidence base for relaxation training in this population requires synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a rapid review assessing the evidence for relaxation training in the management of pediatric headaches.
• To evaluate the efficacy of relaxation training as a primary or adjunctive therapy for headaches in individuals aged 0-18 years.

Main Methods:

• A rapid review methodology was employed.
• Searched English-language, peer-reviewed literature on relaxation training for pediatric headaches.
• Included seven studies with 571 children; evidence quality assessed using GRADE criteria.

Main Results:

• Evidence quality was determined to be very low.
• Results regarding the impact of relaxation training on headache frequency, duration, and intensity were inconsistent across studies.
• No adverse events associated with relaxation training were reported.

Conclusions:

• The current evidence for relaxation training in pediatric headache management is inconsistent and of very low quality.
• High-quality research is necessary to establish the effectiveness of relaxation training for children's headaches.
• Further investigation is required to guide clinical practice in this area.