Eight studies were included (n=156). These comprised two RCTs (n= 34), one quasi-experimental quasi-randomised study (n=40) and five case series (n=82).
Only three studies used the International Classification of Headache Disorders to classify patients.
Headache frequency: Five of eight studies reported no significant change in headache frequency in exercise groups. One study reported a significant reduction in the exercise group and two reported a decrease from baseline.
Pain intensity: Six studies reported a reduction in pain intensity in exercise groups; most did not report the level of statistical significance.
Headache duration: Two of four studies reported a significant reduction in headache duration. The two other studies reported no change.
Medication use: Two of three studies reported no significant change in medication use in exercise groups. One study reported a "certain reduction" in medication use (the level of statistical significance was not reported).
Fitness: Two of four studies reported an increase in measures of fitness level in exercise groups and two reported no change.
Psychometric data: Two of three studies reported no change in psychometric outcomes. A third study reported an improvement in one of three measures (pain severity) in the exercise group.