THE EFFECT OF AEROBIC EXERCISES ON PAIN, QUALITY OF LIFE IN PRIMARY HEADACHE

Abstract

Headache disorders are among the most common disorders of the nervous system. According to World Health Organisation reports that almost half of all adults worldwide experience a headache in any given year. Based on research, headaches are classified into primary and secondary headaches. Depending on global prevalence the most common primary headaches are migraine, tension-type, and cluster headaches. If left untreated it can result in increased pain, decreased quality of life. The objective of this literature article is to analyze the effect of aerobic exercise on pain and quality of life among subjects with primary headaches like migraine, tension-type, and cluster headache and to discuss the current updates in the literature. In this article, relevant data available in PubMed, Cochrane, and Medline databases were retrieved from 2010 to February 2020 using the search terms aerobic exercise and tension-type headaches, aerobic exercise and migraine, aerobic exercise and cluster headaches, pain, and quality of life. The search strategy identified five articles that considered the effect of aerobic exercise on primary headaches like a migraine; tension-type and cluster. Results have positive effects for aerobic exercise on tension-type headache, migraine headache mainly on pain intensity, whereas the quality of life is less studied. On the other hand, these studies did not provide a specific protocol or parameter on exercise intensities. The availability of data on the influence of aerobic exercise on primary headaches though is limited, aerobic exercises are the best option for reducing pain and improving quality of life in primary headaches, especially for tension-type and migraine-type headaches.