Effects of high intensity interval training versus moderate continuous training on pain sensitivity and pain threshold of migraineurs: A randomized controlled trial in episodic migraine

1.1 Objective To examine whether there are changes in pain sensitivity and threshold in migraineurs before and after a training intervention (high intensity interval training or moderate continuous training) compared to a control group. 1.2 Background Migraine is a complex brain disorder with a large impact on the affected. Regular aerobic exercise might be linked to a reduction in migraine symptoms and could possibly alter pain sensation and pain thresholds. Physical activity could offer an alternative pain reducing treatment option. 1.3 Methods The pain sensitivity and pain threshold testings were part of a three-armed clinical trial. There are 24 participants in the present study. The study groups consisted of a control group (CON, N=8) and two intervention groups that absolved a calorically equivalent training regimen: high intensity interval training (HIT, N=8) or moderate continuous training (MCT, N=8). Pain sensitivity and threshold testings were conducted before and after the intervention period. 1.5 Results ANOVA analysis showed no significant change in pain sensitivity and pain thresholds between groups. Magnitude based analysis indicate 5 cases of a likely positive effect (>75%). 1.6 Conclusion Likely positive effects in the magnitude based analysis suggest for more data to be collected. 1.7 Keywords pain sensitivity, pain threshold, migraineurs, high intensity training, moderate continuous training, randomized tria