Impact of a 12‐Week Telecoaching Aerobic Training Program in a Green Environment on Quality of Life and Migraine Frequency: A Pilot Study

Growing evidence indicates that aerobic exercise can be considered among the nonpharmacological strategies for migraine management. The present pilot study investigated the effects of a 12-week telecoaching (TC) aerobic exercise, performed in a green environment, on migraine-related outcomes. The primary endpoint regarded headache characteristics, while quality of life (QoL) and physical activity levels were considered secondary outcomes. At baseline (T0), participants′ physical activity level and QoL were evaluated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and the Migraine-Specific QoL Questionnaire (MSQ) v2.1. The study sample consisted of 20 individuals (18 females, mean age 48.95 ± 12.17 years). The intervention consisted of a structured, progressive walking program of moderate intensity, performed three times per week. Exercise duration progressively increased from 30 to 50 min across the 12-week intervention period. The subjects showed relatively high baseline physical activity levels that remained stable over time (total MET 4121.39 ± 8961.93 vs. 5399.45 ± 5968.58, p = 0.275). Migraine intensity did not change significantly (mean numeric rating scale [NRS] 5.86 ± 1.41 vs. 5.50 ± 2.14, p = 0.570). In contrast, subjects reported a significant improvement in migraine frequency, with a reduction in headache days over different recording windows (13.50 ± 7.29 vs. 11.40 ± 6.88, p = 0.012). Multivariate analysis did not reveal significant changes in secondary outcomes, including MSQ score. Overall, the results of such a pilot study confirm how a TC-based aerobic exercise intervention may reduce headache frequency in physically active individuals with migraine. Nevertheless, the approach did not modify migraine intensity or QoL but may still support general good health maintenance.