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
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
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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
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About 132 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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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
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
RECRUITINGHung Hom, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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