Effectiveness of autogenic training on headache: A systematic review

Purpose: To investigate the impact of length of autogenic training (AT) use, alone and with the addition of adjunct treatments, on intensity and duration of primary headache in adults age 19 and older. Methods: We searched articles published in English and Korean from 1926 to 2016. A search of seven domestic and foreign databases was conducted from September 25, 2016 to December 30, 2016 using the search terms "autogenic training," "autogen," "relaxation," and "headache." The search was documented according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search yielded a total of 262 papers; a multi-step screening and selection process ultimately yielded six articles of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the systematic review. Cochrane's Risk of Bias Tool was used to evaluate the quality of the selected papers. Results: Five of the six studies demonstrated statistically significant reduction in headache by AT-only or bio-feedback-assisted AT. The reviewed studies varied in characteristics of subjects, length of autogenic training and practice, use of adjunct therapies, and use of headache measures. Conclusions: The small number of studies retrieved in this review, with their variations in AT interventions used, in AT training/practice time, and headache measures used, did not facilitate rigorous evaluation of the effectiveness of specific AT approaches nor of the optimum length of AT practice for reduction of headache. More research is needed on the effectiveness of AT-only for headache, the most effective duration of autogenic training and practice, and the type(s) of headache for which it is most effective.