An Exploration of Stress Reactivity and Mindfulness Meditation in Individuals with Migraine Utilizing Heart Rate Variability

Headaches are associated with autonomic nervous system imbalance reflected in heart rate variability (HRV). Mindfulness Meditation (MM) is an evidence-based tool for regulating HRV. Previous literature has examined HRV changes in those with headache disorders after cognitive stress induction. These studies have found there were significant increases in HRV after stress induction in those that practiced MM. The current study examined HRV changes in migraineurs. Participants (N=26) were randomly assigned to a 10-minute recovery condition involving guided MM Practice (N=13) or listening to a description of MM (N=13) following cognitive stress induction. A between-subjects repeated measures MANOVA found a significant difference in HF-HRV over time that varied based on the meditation condition. There was also a significant change in respiratory rate over time regardless of condition. Additional research should be completed with migraineurs to understand ANS activity in migraine and the mechanisms of MM in this population