The Effects of Regular Aerobic Exercise on Tension Headache

The Effects of Regular Aerobic Exercise on Tension Headache By Brittany Canady A substantial portion of the population will suffer from headache at some point in their lives. This study examines the effect of a simple behavioral treatment for one of the two most common forms of headache, tension headache. Participants selected for the study were drawn from introductory psychology and exercise courses at Marshall University, reported having at least one tension headache per week, and exercised two or fewer times per week. Participants enrolled in an eight-week physical education aerobic exercise course through the university, and monitored their headache activity both during the class and through an eight-week baseline period. Participants experienced fewer headaches, used fewer analgesic medications, and exhibited less anxiety during the treatment period. Headache and Exercise iii Table of