The Effect of a Video- and Brochure-Based Physiotherapy and Exercise Program on Migraine Symptoms, Neck Disability, Cognitive Functions, and Quality of Life in Patients with Migraine: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Migraine is commonly treated with medication; however, some patients are unable to tolerate acute and/or prophylactic medications due to side effects or contraindications associated with comorbid conditions such as myocardial disorders or asthma. The prevalence of neck pain is high among individuals with migraine, and various dysfunctions in the cervical region have been observed, including increased sensitivity of the cranio-cervical muscles, reduced force production in cervical extensor muscles, impaired performance of deep flexor muscles, decreased cervical range of motion (ROM), and hypomobility of the upper cervical segments (C1-C2).

There is increasing evidence supporting the role of physiotherapy in migraine treatment, with two primary approaches currently proposed for patient management: addressing musculoskeletal dysfunctions in the cranio-cervical region and managing postural control impairments. Furthermore, nearly 80% of migraine patients report experiencing some degree of neck pain during the migraine cycle. The prevalence of neck pain exceeds that of nausea, which is considered a diagnostic criterion for migraine. The presence of neck pain is associated with a more severe clinical presentation of migraine and may even reduce responsiveness to pharmacological treatment, thereby increasing the overall burden of the condition. Additionally, the perception of muscle tension in the neck is linked to more intense migraine attacks.

To facilitate patient adherence to exercise programs, videos and brochures are commonly used. Videos are easy to understand and can effectively simulate live demonstrations, while brochures can be tailored and customized to meet individual patient needs. Video- and brochure-based programs offer an alternative for patients who face challenges in attending in-person treatment sessions, such as those with conflicting work schedules or other barriers to participation. A review of the literature reveals a lack of studies investigating the efficacy of video- and brochure-based physiotherapy and exercise programs for migraine management.

Existing studies have primarily focused on either a single type of exercise intervention or physiotherapy techniques applied exclusively by a physiotherapist. This study aims to include exercises that migraine patients can perform independently, along with physiotherapy techniques and guidance on essential considerations, triggering factors, and recommendations for migraine management. Since migraine patients often prefer to remain indoors during episodes, accessing video-based instruction or brochures in a comfortable environment may facilitate treatment adherence.

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of a video- and brochure-based self-administered physiotherapy and exercise program on migraine symptoms, neck disability, cognitive functions, and quality of life in individuals with migraine.