Tai Chi and Acupuncture on Migraine Attack Prevention and Brain White Matter Changes
Recruiting · NCT06967909 · Interventional (participants receive a specific treatment)
View the official record on ClinicalTrials.gov →Interventions studied
What this trial is about
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effectiveness of Tai Chi training and acupuncture on the migraine attacks and structural brain changes in women with episodic migraine. Researchers will compare Tai Chi training to acupuncture treatment in a randomized controlled trial with 132 female participants. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to either the Tai Chi group or the acupuncture group. * Undergo a 24-week intervention, with structured sessions for Tai Chi or scheduled acupuncture treatments. * Complete assessments through migraine diaries, questionnaires, physical measurements, MRI and TCD scans at various time points. The study ensures participant safety through close monitoring, with medical support available in case of discomfort. Data confidentiality will be maintained, with encrypted storage and restricted access for research purposes.
Who can take part
Inclusion criteria
- Chinese women aged 18 years and above;
- Diagnosed with episodic migraines, with or without aura, according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3);
- Migraine attack frequency ranging from 2 to 14 days per month (≥15 days/month is classified as chronic migraine and is not included in this study);
- Assessed by a sports specialist as capable of engaging in moderate physical activity;
- Residing in Hong Kong.
Exclusion criteria
- Unable to engage in moderate physical activity;
- Comorbid with other neurological disorders;
- Experiencing non-migraine headaches for more than 5 days per month;
- Previous practice of Tai Chi or other mind-body exercises (such as yoga, biofeedback, meditation, etc.);
- Received alternative treatments for migraines (such as acupuncture or Chinese medicine) during the recruitment period or within the past 12 weeks;
- Undergoing preventive medication treatment for migraines during the recruitment period or within the past 12 weeks;
- Excessive use of medication, taking antipsychotic or antidepressant drugs, or using analgesics for other chronic pain conditions for more than 3 days per month within the past 12 weeks;
- Diagnosed with epilepsy or having a mental illness;
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or currently taking contraceptive medication.
Where it is running
1 location listed.
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Hung Hom, Hong Kong