Researchers at NYU Langone Health have identified a simple and practical method to alleviate migraine pain using Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) through a mobile app called RELAXaHEAD.
اضافة اعلان
How it works:
PMR involves tensing different muscle groups for a few seconds and then slowly relaxing them while focusing on the sensation of relaxation. The app includes guided audio sessions:
Deep breathing exercises: 5 minutes
Short PMR session: 6 minutes
Long PMR session: 12.5 minutes
Mental body scan: 8.5 minutes, identifying and releasing tension
Users are advised to practice for 10–15 minutes daily over a 90-day treatment period for optimal results.
Clinical Study Results:
The trial included 69 participants aged 18–65 who visited the emergency department at Langone Health for migraine treatment between 2019 and 2021. Participants were randomly assigned to:
Use the app with daily PMR sessions
Use the app only as a migraine diary (control group)
Key findings:
Migraine pain reduced by 50% in PMR users
82% of PMR users showed at least a 5-point improvement in MIDAS (Migraine Disability Assessment), versus 46% in the control group
Daily adherence was associated with greater improvement, showing a dose-response relationship
Benefits of PMR:
Developed by Dr. Edmund Jacobson in the 1920s for anxiety, PMR is simple and easy to learn. Recent studies have shown it effective for:
Tension headaches and migraines
Temporomandibular joint disorders and neck pain
Insomnia, anxiety, and high blood pressure
Back pain and mood disorders
Future Outlook:
Dr. Mia Menin, lead researcher, hopes the app will help patients self-manage migraines, reduce emergency visits, and improve quality of life without expensive or side-effect-prone medications. A larger clinical trial is planned to evaluate its effectiveness in primary care settings.
Published in JAMA Network Open
Source: Daily Mail
