Safe exercise for migraine sufferers

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, April 17 (UPI) -- Physiotherapists in Sweden say they have developed an exercise program that can improve fitness among migraine sufferers without aggravating the condition.

The study, published in the journal Headache, followed 20 migraine sufferers asked to follow an exercise program using an exercise bike three times a week for three months under the guidance of a physiotherapist.

"We could see that those who participated in the study were much fitter after the training period, since their ability to absorb oxygen increased considerably," Emma Varkey of Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, in Sweden said in a statement.

Only one of the patients suffered a migraine attack that was directly linked to the training session, Varkey said.

Many patients who suffer from migraines avoid taking aerobic exercise because they are afraid the physical activity may bring on a serious migraine attack, Varkey said.

The researchers said they have shown the risk of increased frequency of attacks in connection with this type of exercise is extremely small. They said they plan to study whether exercise can be used to prevent or alleviate migraine attacks.