Actively Recruiting
Yogabased Movements for Primary Headaches (Migraine and/or Cluster Headache) - YOURHEAD - a Pilot Study
Led by Karolinska Institutet · Updated on 2026-01-30
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
47 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Migraine and/or Cluster Headache: Study Overview \*\*Background:\*\* Migraine and cluster headache are two primary headache disorders that significantly impact quality of life and functionality in those affected. According to the WHO's recurring burden of disease reports, migraine is among the neurological conditions responsible for the highest number of years lost due to illness. The headaches associated with migraine and cluster headache range from moderate to severe and cause great suffering. Available treatments do not work for everyone and are often associated with adverse side effects. Physical activity has been shown in several studies to have a positive effect on headache. Given the high prevalence of mental health issues, stress, and sleep problems within this patient group, relaxation and low-intensity exercise such as yoga-based movements (YB) could potentially help individuals improve sleep and well-being, while also providing some preventive effect on headaches. \*\*Hypothesis:\*\* Individuals with severe migraine or cluster headache have a strong need for new treatment options. Alternative therapies such as yoga-based exercises, when combined with standard medical treatment as per clinical guidelines, may positively impact: 1. Headache symptoms 2. Sleep quality 3. Overall life quality \*\*Purpose and Goals:\*\* This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibiiity of a web-based yoga or live face to face (FTF) intervention in individuals suffering from severe primary headaches-mainly chronic migraine and/or cluster headache. The study will assess the effect of YB on health-related quality of life, with a focus on sleep quality and mental health as depression and anxiety. A secondary objective is to analyze changes in headache frequency, intensity, and duration associated with primary headache conditions. The pilot study will follow later on with a RCT study (will be registered later). The RCT study will have a comparison group to conventional treatment. \*\*Relevance for the Patient Group:\*\* The core objective of the project is to determine whether yoga-based exercises can serve as a complementary treatment to enhance quality of life and health in patients with severe primary headache. To ensure equal healthcare access, this intervention will be delivered in digital format and/or FTF to optimize availability and expand care for individuals with primary headache disorders. These efforts aim to improve life quality and well-being in a vulnerable patient population. Headache conditions often affect individuals in their most productive years, and many live with symptoms for decades. Both work and private life are frequently disrupted, resulting in sick leave and social isolation. Close relatives are also affected, as those suffering from headaches require more recovery time to cope with daily life. With this proposed project, we aim to use physical yoga, rooted in holistic traditional medicine, to help individuals with severe primary headache achieve better physical and mental health-particularly improved sleep quality, which in turn enhances overall life quality.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Yogabased Movements for Primary Headaches (Migraine and/or Cluster Headache) - YOURHEAD - a Pilot Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Diagnosed chronic migraine and/or cluster (Hortons) headache
- Men and women aged 18 to 65 years
- Diagnosed with chronic/high frequency migraine (at least 15 headache days/month with at least 8 migraine days)
- Diagnosed with chronic cluster headache (shorter remission than 3 months per year) according to ICHD-III criteria
- Ability to perform yoga-based movements and provide consent
- Access to internet with computer, tablet, or mobile device for digital or tele-health instructions
You will not qualify if you...
- Recent or planned operations within the last 6 weeks
- Drug dependence, alcohol dependence, or mental disorders such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, anxiety including PTSD
- Concurrent enrollment in other clinical trials
- Unmedicated high blood pressure or heart disease such as heart failure
- Not speaking Swedish
- Unable to perform low-intensity exercise at home or face-to-face (online or live)
- Unsure about participation due to drug addiction or other causes
- Disorientation or inability to provide information about serious conditions
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Karolinska Institutet
Huddinge, Sweden, 141 83
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Marian Papp, PhD
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
1
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