WithdrawnNot Applicable

Effectiveness of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Training Versus a Meditation Program in Reducing Stress Levels in University Undergraduate Students

Stopped: Not enough students enrolled in the study

0Started 2026-11-01

Plain-language summary

The objective of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy of a heart rate variability biofeedback training protocol, compared to a guided meditation program and a control group, in reducing stress and anxiety levels among university undergraduate students.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Second- and third-year students of the Physiotherapy Degree at various universities in the province of Seville.
. Enrolled in all courses for the academic year.
. Enrolled in the courses for the first or second time.

Exclusion criteria

. Having a job in addition to academic responsibilities.
. Having a dependent family member under their care.
. Diagnosed with any mental health issues.
. Diagnosed with severe metabolic, cardiovascular, or respiratory conditions, or cancer.
. Simultaneously pursuing another degree or a dual degree program.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Stress

Timeframe: T0: Before the intervention; T1: At one month, before the exam period; T2: At two months, after the semester ends; T3: At three-month follow-up

Anxiety State

Timeframe: T0: Before the intervention; T1: At one month, before the exam period; T2: At two months, after the semester ends; T3: At three-month follow-up

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06457932

SponsorUniversity of Seville

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-02-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Stress trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Second- and third-year students of the Physiotherapy Degree at various universities in the province of Seville.
. Enrolled in all courses for the academic year.
. Enrolled in the courses for the first or second time.

Exclusion criteria

. Having a job in addition to academic responsibilities.
. Having a dependent family member under their care.
. Diagnosed with any mental health issues.
. Diagnosed with severe metabolic, cardiovascular, or respiratory conditions, or cancer.
. Simultaneously pursuing another degree or a dual degree program.

What they're measuring

Stress

Timeframe: T0: Before the intervention; T1: At one month, before the exam period; T2: At two months, after the semester ends; T3: At three-month follow-up

Anxiety State

Timeframe: T0: Before the intervention; T1: At one month, before the exam period; T2: At two months, after the semester ends; T3: At three-month follow-up