The mere thought of running with a splitting headache makes me nauseous. However, according to a new study, I could avoid getting headaches all together, if I ran even more.
Okay, maybe a 10-mile run won’t completely eliminate my headaches, but researchers maintain that a well-constructed fitness program can decrease the frequency of headaches and improve quality of life.
The new study used a sample of migraine sufferers who were examined before, during and after an extensive aerobic exercise routine featuring continuous indoor cycling. The cardio regime was designed to improve maximal oxygen uptake without worsening the patients’ migraines.
According to researchers, after the treatment period, patients’ maximum oxygen uptake increased significantly. In addition, there was no worsening of migraine status at any time during the study period. However, researchers say the most noteworthy finding came during the last month of treatment, when patients described experiencing a significant decrease in the number of migraine attacks, the number of days with migraines per month, headache intensity and the amount of headache medication used.
The study’s lead author noted that individuals with headaches, particularly those who suffer migraines, typically shy away from exercising. Researchers say of the 300 study participants they interviewed most were less physically active than those who didn’t experience headaches on a regular basis.
“While the optimal amount of exercise for patients with migraine remains unknown, our evaluated program can now be tested further and compared to pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments to see if exercise can prevent migraines,” the study’s lead author noted.
The study also found that migraine sufferers lack aerobic endurance and flexibility.
Do you suffer from migraines? How often do you exercise? Are you more apt to shy away from aerobic activity because you are afraid it might trigger a headache? What do you make of the new study?
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