• Tae-Jin Song and Min Kyung Chu.
• Department of Neurology, Seoul Hospital, Ewha Womans University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
• Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2021 Feb 25; 25 (3): 14.

Purpose Of ReviewWith this review, we aimed to investigate the effect of exercise on migraine and explored the possibility of exercise as a treatment option for migraine.Recent FindingsA close association of physical activity and exercise with migraine has been reported in clinical and population-based studies. Recent randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of aerobic exercise as a migraine-preventive treatment have revealed a notable improvement in migraine symptoms. Data on the effect of anaerobic exercise and exercise for flexibility, coordination, and relaxation on migraine are currently insufficient to make any recommendations. Possible pathways for the attenuation of migraine by exercise include the endogenous opioid and cannabinoid systems, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, inflammation, and behavioral/psychological factors. Regarding efficacy, side effects, and health benefits, aerobic exercise is a potentially beneficial strategy in the preventive treatment of migraine. Further studies are needed to delineate an evidence-based exercise program for migraine treatment.

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