CompletedNot Applicable

Breathwork Intervention for Posttraumatic Stress

United States36 participantsStarted 2025-05-07

Plain-language summary

The goal of this single-site, single-arm pilot study is to examine the impact of breathwork training for posttraumatic stress symptoms in an adult veteran population. Participants will complete a single, in-person breathwork session (2 hours) led by a certified breathwork facilitator and engage in an integration session (30 minute) with a licensed psychologist. Participants will be invited to engage in two, optional, virtual follow up breathwork sessions (40 minute practice each) during weeks 2 and 3 following the in-person breathwork session.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * (1) having received a professional diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) * (2) being able not to commit to another (new) treatment during the course of the study * (3) understanding English instructions fluently * (4) being 18 and above. Exclusion Criteria: * (1) having been exposed to breathwork any time in the past * (2) being unable to perform most basic tasks due to PTSD or other mental illness. * (3) Asthma, breathing problems, or a respiratory disorder (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). * (4) Uncontrolled hypertension (i.e., systolic blood pressure/diastolic blood pressure \> 150/95), orthostatic hypotension (e.g., issues with fainting), or cardiovascular or peripheral arterial disease. * (5) Current or past diagnosis of a neurological disease (e.g., Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, vasovagal syncope) * (6) Serious psychiatric disorder requiring hospitalization within the past 12 months * (7) Current substance use disorder or history of hospitalization for treatment of a substance use disorder. * (8) Current participation in another research study involving an intervention or treatment. * (9) Currently pregnant * (10) Any significant comorbidities or issues that, in the opinion of the investigators, could interfere with the study or lead to deleterious effects for the participant. * (11) Adults unable to consent * (12) Prisoners

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

Recruitment Feasibility

Timeframe: From date of first participant contact (May 6th) to the day before the final breathwork session (10th of October): 158 days

Retention

Timeframe: From baseline assessment (-2 weeks) to 13-week follow-up: 15 week span

Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM)

Timeframe: Administered once at the conclusion of the in-person integration session (approx. 30 minutes post-intervention)

Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM)

Timeframe: Administered once at the conclusion of the in-person integration session (approx. 30 minutes post-intervention)

Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM)

Timeframe: Administered once at the conclusion of the in-person integration session (approx. 30 minutes post-intervention)

Acupuncture Expectancy Scale (AES)

Timeframe: Administered once at the conclusion of the in-person integration session (approx. 30 minutes post-intervention)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07129278

SponsorFlorida State University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-10-06

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More PTSD trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 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.

What they're measuring

Recruitment Feasibility

Timeframe: From date of first participant contact (May 6th) to the day before the final breathwork session (10th of October): 158 days

Retention

Timeframe: From baseline assessment (-2 weeks) to 13-week follow-up: 15 week span

Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM)

Timeframe: Administered once at the conclusion of the in-person integration session (approx. 30 minutes post-intervention)

Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM)

Timeframe: Administered once at the conclusion of the in-person integration session (approx. 30 minutes post-intervention)

Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM)

Timeframe: Administered once at the conclusion of the in-person integration session (approx. 30 minutes post-intervention)

Acupuncture Expectancy Scale (AES)

Timeframe: Administered once at the conclusion of the in-person integration session (approx. 30 minutes post-intervention)