Item – Theses Canada

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OCLC number
46530671
Author
Lafave, Mark Richard,1967-
Title
The effect of aerobic exercise on the frequency and pain of migraine headaches.
Degree
M. Sc. -- University of Manitoba, 1995
Publisher
Ottawa : National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1996.
Description
2 microfiches.
Notes
Includes bibliographical references.
Abstract
A great deal of research performed, but the etiology of migraine headaches remains unknown. As a result, most migraine sufferers must take medications to alleviate the signs and symptoms of the headache. Some researchers have been interested in analyzing the effect of some non-pharmaceutical treatments for migraine headaches. Aerobic exercise is one of those non-pharmaceutical treatments suggested and the topic of this study. Sixteen female subjects were randomly assigned to two groups. One group merely measured their headache pain and frequency using a daily headache diary and visual analogue scale while the other group also collected that information in addition to being given and aerobic exercise protocol to follow. The groups collected information for twelve weeks. Subjects' fitness levels were measured by submaximal bike tests to look at the changes in their fitness levels. Once the control group was done twelve weeks of headache pain and frequency data collection, they were introduced to the aerobic exercise program. Statistical analyses were performed to compare the headache pain and frequency of the group that exercised compared to the group which did not exercise. The results showed that there was no significant difference in headache pain or frequency between the group that exercised as compared to the group that did not exercise. Subjects were instructed to exercise a minimum of three times per week but this was accomplished only forty-four percent of the time. As a result there was no significant changes in fitness levels. Personal comments made by subjects suggested that the exercise was helpful. In fact, only one person thought that the exercise program made their condition worse whereas nine of the sixteen subjects talked about having a positive experience. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)
ISBN
0612132730
9780612132733