Migraine Research with Smartwatch Application
This research is looking at how smartwatches and a special migraine diary app can help us understand migraines. We want to see how these tools can track what's happening with people who experience migraines, whether they have them now and then or all the time. Participants will wear a smartwatch to record things like their heart rate and sleep, and use an app to note down their migraine attacks, what might trigger them, and their symptoms. This study aims to combine all this information to get a clearer picture of how migraines and their treatments affect people's daily lives. It could help doctors find more personalised and effective ways to help patients manage their migraines.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Migraines can be really challenging because they're tricky to keep track of, and it's often hard to pinpoint what makes them better or worse. This study, called MIRA, is trying something new by using everyday technology like smartwatches and a digital diary app to get a much clearer picture of what's happening with people who experience migraines.
Researchers wanted to see if smartwatches could help them capture information in real-time, like how much a person moves, their sleep patterns, and heart rate. At the same time, participants used a special app to record details about their migraine attacks – what triggered them, the symptoms they felt, and what medicines they took and how well they worked. By putting all this continuous information together, alongside health questionnaires, the study aimed to understand how migraines and their treatments affect daily life over several months.
Ultimately, this research could help us learn how to better spot migraine triggers and understand the body's responses. The goal is to provide a comprehensive, long-term look at migraines and their impact, which might lead to more effective and personalised ways to manage them in the future. Knowing more could help doctors tailor treatments like botulinum toxin or other preventative and acute medicines more effectively.
Key takeaways
- The study uses smartwatches and a diary app to understand migraines better.
- It aims to see how migraines and treatments affect daily life.
- You'll wear a smartwatch and use an app for six months.
- No changes to your current migraine medication are required.
- The findings could lead to more personalised migraine management.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with migraine. You also need to own a smartphone (either an Android phone running version 8.1 or newer, or an iPhone running iOS 12.3 or newer) and be comfortable using it for the study apps.
There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you're unable to give your full agreement to join, or if you can't or don't want to use the smartphone app. Also, if you have other health conditions that might make it difficult for you to understand or complete the study tasks, such as certain mental health conditions or memory problems, the study doctors might decide it's not suitable for you.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with migraine?
- Do you own a smartphone (Android 8.1+ or iOS 12.3+)?
- Are you comfortable and able to use a smartphone app regularly?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you would be observed for a period of six months. During this time, you would wear a smartwatch (specifically a Withings Scanwatch 2) which continuously collects data like your steps, activity levels, heart rate, and sleep quality. You would also use a special digital migraine diary app on your smartphone to record details about your migraine attacks, including when they happen, what symptoms you have, possible triggers, and any medications you take and how well they work.
Throughout the six months, you would complete health questionnaires at three specific times: at the very beginning of the study, after three months, and again at the six-month mark. These questionnaires help assess how migraines affect your daily life. You wouldn't be asked to take any new or experimental medications as part of this study; it's focused on observing your migraine experience with your current treatments. The total duration of your active participation would be six months.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-UniversityVerified postcodeDüsseldorf, Germany
Common questions
What kind of smartwatch will I wear?
You will wear a specific type of smartwatch called a Withings Scanwatch 2 to help collect data.
Do I need to change my migraine medication?
No, this study observes your current treatments. You won't be asked to change your medication.
How long does the study last for me?
Your participation in the study will last for six months.
What if I don't like using the smartphone app?
You need to be willing and able to use the smartphone app to enter your migraine information effectively.
What data will the smartwatch collect?
The smartwatch will collect information about your steps, activity levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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