Effectiveness of Tai Chi and Acupuncture on Migraine Attack Prevention and Brain White Matter Cha… (NCT06967909) | Clinical Trial Compass
Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable
Effectiveness of Tai Chi and Acupuncture on Migraine Attack Prevention and Brain White Matter Changes: A Non-Inferiority RCT
Hong Kong132 participantsStarted 2025-06-01
Plain-language summary
The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effectiveness of Tai Chi training and acupuncture on the migraine attacks and structural brain changes in women with episodic migraine.
Researchers will compare Tai Chi training to acupuncture treatment in a randomized controlled trial with 132 female participants. Participants will:
* Be randomly assigned to either the Tai Chi group or the acupuncture group.
* Undergo a 24-week intervention, with structured sessions for Tai Chi or scheduled acupuncture treatments.
* Complete assessments through migraine diaries, questionnaires, physical measurements, MRI and TCD scans at various time points.
The study ensures participant safety through close monitoring, with medical support available in case of discomfort. Data confidentiality will be maintained, with encrypted storage and restricted access for research purposes.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Chinese women aged 18 years and above;
* Diagnosed with episodic migraines, with or without aura, according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (ICHD-3);
* Migraine attack frequency ranging from 2 to 14 days per month (≥15 days/month is classified as chronic migraine and is not included in this study);
* Assessed by a sports specialist as capable of engaging in moderate physical activity;
* Residing in Hong Kong.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Unable to engage in moderate physical activity;
* Comorbid with other neurological disorders;
* Experiencing non-migraine headaches for more than 5 days per month;
* Previous practice of Tai Chi or other mind-body exercises (such as yoga, biofeedback, meditation, etc.);
* Received alternative treatments for migraines (such as acupuncture or Chinese medicine) during the recruitment period or within the past 12 weeks;
* Undergoing preventive medication treatment for migraines during the recruitment period or within the past 12 weeks;
* Excessive use of medication, taking antipsychotic or antidepressant drugs, or using analgesics for other chronic pain conditions for more than 3 days per month within the past 12 weeks;
* Diagnosed with epilepsy or having a mental illness;
* Pregnant, breastfeeding, or currently taking contraceptive medication.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
The difference in frequency of migraine attacks
Timeframe: Between 4 weeks before randomization and weeks 9-12 / 21-24 after randomization
2
The difference in migraine days
Timeframe: Between 4 weeks before randomization and weeks 9-12 / 21-24 after randomization
3
The difference of white matter abnormalities (WMAs)