Aerobic Exercise Linked to Reduced Migraines and Changes in Endocannabinoid Levels, Study Finds
- The 12-week randomized clinical trial showed that regular aerobic exercise significantly reduced migraine frequency, migraine attacks, and medication use in individuals with episodic migraines.
- Over 50% of participants in the exercise group achieved at least a 50% reduction in monthly migraine days, compared to 16.6% in the control group.
- Exercise improved cardiorespiratory fitness and mood, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue among participants.
- The study observed decreased circulating anandamide (AEA) levels in the exercise group, suggesting exercise may regulate endocannabinoid signaling differently over the long term and linking AEA to migraine relief and mood improvements.
A randomized clinical trial published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found that regular aerobic exercise may significantly reduce migraine frequency while also altering levels of anandamide, a key endocannabinoid tied to pain and mood regulation. Conducted by researchers from multiple institutions in Brazil, including the Federal University of São Paulo and the University of São Paulo, the study examined the effects of a 12-week aerobic exercise program on individuals with episodic migraines. Participants either engaged in supervised treadmill-based exercise or were placed on a waitlist, allowing researchers to compare outcomes across groups.
The study found that those in the exercise group experienced a notable reduction in the number of migraine days, fewer migraine attacks, and decreased use of abortive medications. More than 50% of participants in the exercise group achieved at least a 50% reduction in monthly migraine days, compared to just 16.6% in the control group.
In addition to clinical improvements, participants who exercised showed enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness and improved mood, including reductions in anxiety, depression, anger, and fatigue. The researchers said the findings “confirm previous studies showing reductions in migraine attacks and mood-enhancing effects through aerobic exercise training.”
Interestingly, the researchers observed a decrease in circulating levels of anandamide (AEA) among those who exercised. While endocannabinoids like AEA are often associated with pain relief and the “runner’s high,” the findings suggest that long-term exercise may regulate this system differently than short-term activity.
The study also found correlations between reduced medication use and both improved fitness and lower AEA levels, indicating a potential link between endocannabinoid signaling and migraine relief.
In their conclusion, the researchers said “regular moderate aerobic exercise, and hence improved cardiorespiratory fitness, is effective in the management of migraine and may attenuate psychiatric comorbidities-related symptoms of anxiety and depression.” They added that the study “suggests a possible participation of AEA in these clinical and cardiorespiratory outcomes,” and said anandamide “merits further investigation” for its possible role in both migraine and the therapeutic effects of exercise.