Effects of Different Exercise Intensities on Headache: A Systematic Review
Luciano Machado-Oliveira1, Yumie Okuyama da Silva Gauto, Fernando José de Santana Neto
1From the Academic Center of Vitória, Federal University of Pernambuco UFPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil (LM-O); Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, Federal University of Pernambuco, UFPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil (LM-O, YOdSG, PRBD); Centro Universitário Tabosa de Almeida - Asces-Unita, Pernambuco, Brazil (YOdSG, FJdSN, MGdS); Associated Graduate Program in Physical Education UPE/UFPB, University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil (AHG-S); and Internal Medicine Department, TeleHealth Unit, Federal University of Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil (PRBD).
Abstract:
The benefits of the regular exercise on quality of life of individuals living with a headache are well known. However, whether the benefits of the exercise training on headache parameters (i.e., intensity, frequency, and pain duration) occur in an intensity-dependent fashion remains unknown.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of different exercise intensities on headache parameters.
Design:
A systematic review of clinical trials that analyzed the effect of physical exercise on headache, without time or language restriction. The TESTEX scale was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the articles.
Results:
Sixteen (16) articles were included with interventions with aerobic training and resistance training. Primary results are positive effects of exercise on migraine symptoms, tension-type headache among others, and a decrease in the use of headache-related medications. On the other hand, the studies did not provide information on exercise intensity, especially studies with aerobic exercises. The intensities used for aerobic training was mostly controlled subjectively and the resistance training ranged from 10% to 80% of maximum repetition.
Conclusions:
Exercise had a positive influence on the frequency and severity of headache crises, although the studies presented inconclusive data regarding the exercise parameters.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Exercise and Cardiovascular Response
Light to moderate physical activity initiates a series of interconnected responses in the body. The heart rate modestly increases in anticipation of the workout, followed by widespread vasodilation as oxygen consumption by skeletal muscles increases. This results in decreased peripheral resistance, increased capillary blood flow, and accelerated...
01:17Exercise and Cardiac Output
Sustained exercise increases the muscles' oxygen demand, which can be...