Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 1, 2026
3D-Neuronavigation In Vivo Through a Patient's Brain During a Spontaneous Migraine Headache
Published on: June 2, 2014
Effectiveness of cold application combined with progressive muscle relaxation in migraine without aura: A randomized
Eylül Pinar Kisa1, Begüm Kara Kaya2, Melis Yalman3
1Division of Ergotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Abstractbackground:
Migraine without aura is a prevalent and disabling neurological disorder that significantly impairs quality of life (QoL). This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effectiveness of cold application combined with Jacobson Progressive Muscle Relaxation (JPMR) on pain intensity, migraine frequency, migraine-related disability, and QoL in individuals with migraine without aura.
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 26 participants diagnosed with migraine without aura. Participants were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group 1 received JPMR exercises and group 2 received JPMR combined with cold application. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, disability using the Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire, and QoL using the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Short Form. Evaluations were conducted at baseline and after a 4-week intervention period.
Results:
Significant improvements in pain intensity, migraine frequency, disability, and QoL scores were observed in both groups following the intervention (P < .05). Effect sizes ranged from moderate to very large within groups. Group 2 showed significantly greater reduction in the monthly number of migraine attacks compared to group 1 (P = .021, partial η² = 0.21). No significant between-group differences were observed in pain intensity, disability, or QoL domains (P > .05).
Conclusion:
Both JPMR and JPMR combined with cold application are effective short-term interventions for managing migraine without aura. However, the addition of cold application enhances outcomes in the number of attacks. This combined nonpharmacological approach may be considered as an adjunct strategy for migraine management.
