Feasibility of Easeday Mobile App for Adolescent Migraine Management
Overview
This single-arm trial assessed the feasibility and preliminary clinical effects of the Easeday mobile app, which delivers relaxation and biofeedback interventions for adolescents with migraine. Results showed high recruitment and retention rates, positive user feedback on relaxation and education modules, and improvements in anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and functional disability.
Background
Migraine treatment in adolescents typically involves pharmacological therapy, healthy lifestyle adherence, and biobehavioral interventions such as relaxation and biofeedback. While pharmacological efficacy remains inconclusive, biobehavioral approaches have demonstrated reductions in migraine frequency and disability. However, access barriers limit their use. Mobile health platforms offer a promising delivery method to overcome these barriers by providing accessible self-management tools.
Data Highlights
Measure
Mean Difference (Mdiff)
Standard Error (SE)
Effect Size (Hedges g)
Anxiety
-4.84
1.41
0.81
Pain Catastrophizing
-5.39
1.43
0.89
Functional Disability
-2.99
1.12
0.63
Social Functioning (HRQOL domain)
39.95
21.86
0.43
Key Findings
83% of recruited adolescents enrolled; 90% completed the 4-week app intervention and assessments.
Participants used the app on average 11.28 days, completed 29 of 50 modules, and engaged in 7.72 heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback sessions.
Positive qualitative feedback highlighted relaxation training and breathing techniques as helpful for stress and headache management.
HRV biofeedback was novel but difficult to use, limiting frequency of use.
Significant reductions were observed in anxiety, pain catastrophizing, and functional disability with medium-to-large effect sizes.
No significant changes were found in overall health-related quality of life, sleep hygiene, or sleep parameters.
Clinical Implications
The Easeday app shows promise as a feasible digital therapeutic tool for adolescent migraine self-management, particularly in reducing anxiety and pain-related disability. Clinicians should consider integrating mobile biobehavioral interventions to improve access to relaxation and stress management techniques. Addressing usability issues and extending treatment duration may enhance engagement and clinical outcomes.
Conclusion
This feasibility study supports the acceptability and preliminary efficacy of the Easeday mobile app for adolescents with migraine. Further research with larger, diverse samples and longer follow-up is warranted to confirm benefits and optimize usability.
References
Feasibility Assessment of a Mobile App for Managing Migraines in Adolescents: A Single-Arm Trial
