Have you been diagnosed with migraine?
Then we invite you to take part in our study!
Interested❓Write to uns❗️
ifg.migraene@uni-luebeck.de
We are looking for participants for an exciting study investigating whether targeted physiotherapy can reduce the frequency of headache days.
Participation requirements
The following criteria must be met for participation (inclusion criteria):
- Age 18 years and older
- Migraine with/without aura diagnosed by a specialist in neurology or general medicine
- Documentation of own headache parameters for at least 3 months in a headache calendar or diary
- Willingness to document own headache parameters in the migraine app of the Kiel Pain Clinic for the period of study participation
- Informed consent
The following criteria must not apply (exclusion criteria)
- Physiotherapy in the past 3 months, for the treatment of complaints in the upper body, especially the shoulder-neck region and the jaw
- Pregnancy
- Insufficient language skills to answer the questionnaires provided
- Insufficient cognitive abilities, e.g. due to dementia or mental disabilities
- Headache due to cervical spine pathology or injury
- The headache to be evaluated does not meet the criteria for migraine (according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders ICHD-3)
Why is the study being conducted?
Migraine is one of the most common disorders worldwide, affecting about 15% of people. Remarkably, over 70% of migraine patients also suffer from neck pain.
It is suspected that persistent stimuli from the neck area can potentially trigger new migraine attacks. Therefore, this study investigates whether physiotherapy in addition to usual medical care can reduce the number of headache days per month.
The assumption is that physiotherapy leads to a reduction in muscle tension in the neck area and improved body awareness. This in turn could reduce migraine-related impairments and improve self-efficacy.
How does the study work?
1. registration: If you are interested, write an e-mail to ifg.migraene(at)uni-luebeck(dot)de. You will then receive a randomly generated five-digit number and a link to the online survey of the study questionnaires.
2nd examination: After checking the inclusion and exclusion criteria, you will be examined by specially trained physiotherapists using an evidence-based test compilation. You will receive a list of participating practices in Schleswig-Holstein. You arrange the appointments for the examination yourself.
3. group allocation: You will be randomly allocated to one of two groups. Participants in both groups will receive 10 units of physiotherapy, but at different times:
- Group 1: You will receive physiotherapy immediately after the initial examination
- Group 2: They receive physiotherapy at a later date, 6 months after the initial examination
4th therapy: Physiotherapy includes individually adapted measures such as strengthening exercises, mobilization, coordination and posture exercises as well as soft tissue mobilization. You arrange the appointments for the treatment yourself, which also takes place exclusively in one of the participating practices in Schleswig-Holstein.
If you would like to take part in the study, please contact the project team at the following e-mail address:
➡︎ ifg.migraene@uni-luebeck.de
Have yourself examined and treated by specially trained physiotherapists!
Be part of the project with the aim of creating a better range of care for people with migraine.
What is expected of me?
To take part in the study, you need a doctor's prescription for 10 units of physiotherapy. This serves as a clearance certificate and is required at the beginning of the study or after 6 months, depending on the group allocation. Important points here are:
The prescription can be issued by a doctor of your choice, regardless of your insurance status.
You will not incur any costs, as the prescription will not be billed.
The prescription form is not decisive, a private prescription is often used.
This procedure is necessary, as in Germany physiotherapy may only be carried out with a doctor's prescription.
Your regular documentation is important for the successful implementation of the study. Depending on your group allocation, you will document your headaches over a period of 6 or 9 months in a headache diary. In addition, you will complete questionnaires at three fixed points in time (after 3 and 6 months) to help us assess the effect of the physiotherapy. You will receive the questionnaires either as an online link or by post on request.
The complete and regular documentation of your headaches is of great importance for evaluating the effect of the therapy. This is the only way we can determine whether physiotherapy contributes to an improvement in your symptoms
Who is conducting the study?
The study is being conducted by the University of Lübeck under the direction of Prof. Dr. Kerstin Lüdtke.