Effectiveness of tai chi and acupuncture in the prophylaxes of episodic migraine in hong kong chinese women and the analysis of microstructural white matter alterations: a non-inferiority single-blind randomized controlled trial

NCT ID NCT06967909

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Cancelled before anyone took part.

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Not a trial. This treatment can be requested outside a study, case by case, for people who qualify.
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First seen Sep 10, 2026 · Last updated Sep 10, 2026

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.

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Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 132 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Jan 2025

Expected to finish

Dec 2026

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 years and older

Sex

Female participants only

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

How to take part

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  1. The places running it

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  2. The official record

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

    RECRUITING

    Hung Hom, Hong Kong, Hong Kong

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