Influence of aerobic exercise on sensory perception, musculoskeletal and psychosocial alterations in patients with migraine

• Grant number: 24/16064-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• Status: Discontinued
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Débora Bevilaqua Grossi
• Grantee: Amanda Rodrigues
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

ntroduction: Migraine can be considered a disease of the sensory systems. These patients have high levels of disability due to the complexity of the disease. There are currently a number of non-pharmacological treatments, including physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, which aims to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks. However, the effects of aerobic exercise on sensory perception and musculoskeletal alterations in these patients are unknown. Objectives: To verify the effects of an aerobic training program on sensory perception, musculoskeletal alterations and psychosocial factors in patients with migraine. Methods: 68 women diagnosed with migraine aged between 18 and 40 will be selected and anthropometric and clinical characteristics and questionnaires will be collected to assess disability related to headache and neck pain, quality of life, level of physical activity, kinesiophobia, cutaneous allodynia, central sensitization, migraine-related symptoms, self-efficacy and the patient's perception of global change. The physical tests will include assessment of cervical strength, cervical range of motion, cervical endurance, Flexion Rotation Test (FRT), Craniocervical Flexion Test (CCFT), Joint Position Error (JPE), thermal sensitivity threshold and mechanical pain by pressure pain threshold, balance by Sensory Organization Test (SOT), two-point discrimination, Borg scale and ergospirometric test. A 16-week aerobic training protocol will be carried out on a treadmill, 3 times a week, with the intensity adjusted for each patient according to their cardiovascular assessment. Expected results: It is hoped that the training protocol will be able to reduce headache-related disability, increase sensory thresholds, improve musculoskeletal alterations and the general quality of life of these patients, as well as verifying the feasibility of carrying out a future clinical trial with this group by varying the exercise protocol. The results of this study could open up new avenues for understanding the complexity and management of migraine, offering low-cost options and lower treatment risks for patients, as well as being presented and discussed with experts in Brazil and internationally, according to the BEPE and attendance at congresses.