The Effect of A Slow-Paced Breathing Intervention on Heart Rate Variability, Stress, and Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns in Healthy Young Adults

NCT07874750 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 61351342/020-2127
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 70
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of a controlled breathing exercises-on autonomic nervous system functions (HRV) and perceived stress levels in healthy young adults with dysfunctional breathing patterns. The secondary objectives of the study are:

• To examine changes in HRV parameters, which serve as an indicator of vagal tone.
• To identify improvements in participants' subjective stress levels and dysfunctional breathing symptoms following the intervention. This study aims to demonstrate the efficacy of a low-cost, non-invasive, and sustainable respiratory rehabilitation strategy for clinical practice.

Conditions

Healthy Adult Participants

Keywords

slow-paced breathing; heart rate variability; stress; dysfunctional breathing

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• heart rate variability

  Assessed using time-domain (SDNN, RMSSD) recorded by Polar H10 chest strap during rest.

  baseline and 6 weeks

• heart rate variability

  frequency-domain (LF, HF, LF/HF ratio) parameters recorded by Polar H10 chest strap during rest.

  baseline and 6 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• perceived stress scale

  baseline and 6 weeks

• nijmegen questionnaire

  baseline and 6 weeks

Study Arms (2)

intervention group slow-paced breathing

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this group will practice a 6-week slow-paced breathing intervention

Behavioral: slow-paced breathing

control group

NO INTERVENTION

Participants in this group will not perform any breathing exercises and will continue their usual daily

Interventions

slow-paced breathing BEHAVIORAL

Participants in the intervention group will undergo a 6-week slow-paced breathing protocol, practicing guided slow breathing at a rate of 6 breaths per minute using a pacing application

intervention group slow-paced breathing

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 25 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Healthy young adults aged 18 to 25 years.
• Non-smokers.
• Free from any chronic diseases.
• Willingness to complete the 6-week slow-paced breathing intervention protocol.
• Capable of understanding the study requirements and providing written informed consent.

You may not qualify if:

• Known cardiovascular, respiratory, or severe neurological disorders.
• History of any chronic disease.
• Active smoking or tobacco use.
• Current use of medications affecting heart rate or the autonomic nervous system.
• Prior regular practice of formal slow-breathing exercises, biofeedback, or yoga breathing techniques.
• Inability to follow the intervention protocol.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Bahçeşehir University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Bahcesehir University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation laboratory

Istanbul, 34674, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: BASIC SCIENCE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Physiotherapist and researcher

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 25, 2026
• First Posted: October 15, 2026
• Study Start: September 18, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): November 6, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): November 20, 2026
• Last Updated: October 15, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-10

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)