Effect of select yoga practices on clinical, biochemical, and quality of life outcomes in patients with migraine: A randomized controlled trial

Objectives: Migraine, a neurological disorder, is not only painful but also disabling and affects the daily life activities of the sufferer. According to the 2023 Global Burden of Disease Study, migraine remains a leading cause of headache-related years lived with disability worldwide, highlighting its significant global health burden. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of selected yoga practices on migraine-related disability, headache impact and intensity, cortisol, homocysteine, Vitamin B-12 (Vit B-12) levels, and overall well-being in migraine patients. Material and Methods: The current pilot study follows a randomized controlled trial design. A total of 32 migraine patients were randomly assigned, in equal numbers, into the Standard Care Group (G rou p I) and the Standard Care and Yoga Group (G rou p II). Assessments were conducted twice, once at baseline and again at post-intervention. Caregivers and outcome assessors were blinded. The data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, paired, and independent t -tests. Results: Group II showed a significant reduction in Migraine Disability Assessment questionnaire ( p = 0.001), headache impact test-6 ( p < 0.0001), headache frequency ( p = 0.001), pain intensity ( P < 0.0001), and perceived stress ( p < 0.0001). Significant improvement was observed in multiple domains of 36-item short-form, including physical functioning, emotional well-being, social functioning, and energy levels (all p < 0.05). Serum cortisol levels decreased significantly in Group II ( p = 0.011). Homocysteine showed a decreasing trend, while Vit B-12 showed a non-significant increase. Conclusion: The findings suggest yoga can be an effective adjunct therapy for migraine management, contributing to a reduction in migraine-related disability, headache impact, frequency, and intensity. It also enhanced the physiological and psychological health of the patients. Further research, with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-up, is recommended.