Exploring how vibrating devices can help people with trauma focus on their breath and body awareness
Neural Mechanisms of Vibroacoustically Augmented Breath Focused Mindfulness for Dissociative Traumatized People
This study is exploring how a vibrating device can help people with trauma and PTSD feel more connected to their bodies and improve their mindfulness through breathing exercises, and it's open to 200 participants who want to try this new approach to boost their mental well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11074649 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how a vibrating device can assist individuals with dissociation, particularly those affected by trauma and PTSD, in improving their mindfulness and body awareness. The approach combines breath-focused mindfulness meditation with exteroceptive feedback from the device, which vibrates in sync with the user's breathing. By enhancing attentional control and interoceptive awareness, the study aims to help participants better connect with their bodily sensations and improve their mental health outcomes. The research will involve 200 participants who will engage with this innovative mindfulness technique over the course of the study.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of trauma who experience dissociation, particularly those diagnosed with PTSD, anxiety, or depression.
Not a fit: Patients who do not experience dissociative symptoms or those without a history of trauma may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the ability of traumatized individuals to manage their dissociative symptoms and enhance their overall mental health.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using mindfulness techniques and sensory feedback to improve mental health outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fani, Negar — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Fani, Negar
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.