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App-Based Relaxation Nearly Doubles Rate of Disability Improvement for ED Migraine Patients

The JAMA Network Open study of 69 patients found better MIDAS scores, not fewer monthly headache days.

Overview

  • In a randomized NYU Langone emergency-department trial (n=69, ages 18–65), 82.4% of RELAXaHEAD users achieved a ≥5-point MIDAS improvement versus 45.7% in a diary-only control.
  • The intervention delivers progressive muscle relaxation exercises via smartphone to target migraine-related disability.
  • Investigators reported a dose-response pattern, with more frequent PMR sessions associated with greater disability gains.
  • Across the study period, monthly headache-day counts did not differ significantly between the app and control groups.
  • Authors disclosed financial interests in the app’s intellectual property, licensed to CareTurner, and a larger NIH-funded primary care trial is underway to test broader effectiveness.