Biofeedback may help with migraine, and the help lasted over a year.
No comparisonThe short version
In seven studies, people's confidence rose from start to end of biofeedback, with no group to compare with.
- 7
- studies pooled
- 68
- adults with migraine
- Self-rated
- people rated themselves
The review
Who took part
The 55 studies included 2,229 adults with migraine. Age and sex were given in 45 of them: the average age was about 37, and nearly 9 in 10 were women.
What they did
Biofeedback uses a device to show a body signal, such as skin temperature, so people can learn to change it. People typically had about 11 sessions. Some studies compared it with a waiting group, fake training, relaxation or medicine.
What happened
Headache frequency and confidence improved most. Gains lasted over a year on average. Biofeedback did better than a waiting group, but not clearly better than fake training, relaxation or medicine.
What the review found
- No comparison
In seven studies, people's confidence rose from start to end of biofeedback, with no group to compare with.
Pooled analysis of 7 studies with 68 people · no comparison group · they rated themselves · ⚠ whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited; mixes trials with other kinds of study
How solid is this?
- Small group
- No comparison group
- People rated themselves
- Whole programmes were tested, so no single part can be credited
- Mixes trials with other kinds of study
Source
Efficacy of biofeedback for migraine: A meta-analysis (2007)
DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2006.09.007 (opens in a new tab)
