Box breathing may help fibromyalgia symptoms
Official title: Effects of Box Breathing Exercise on Sleep Quality, Pain, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Comfort in Patients With Fibromyalgia
Run by Artvin Coruh University · NCT07722923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing whether a simple box breathing routine done twice daily for 30 days can improve sleep, pain, and comfort for adults with fibromyalgia.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Artvin Coruh University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Çorum) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 14, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 15, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 15, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 16, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07722923 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 and older with a fibromyalgia diagnosis and baseline pain of 5 or higher and sleep quality score of 5 or higher.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with respiratory disorders or communication barriers may not experience benefit or may be ineligible to participate.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study assigns 60 adults with fibromyalgia to either continue their usual care plus a 10-minute box breathing routine twice daily for 30 days, or continue usual care alone. Participants will be randomly placed in the intervention or control group, with assessments of sleep quality, pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and overall comfort at the start and end of the 30-day period. The study aims to see if the breathing exercise can make these symptoms easier to manage. It excludes people with significant respiratory conditions or communication barriers to participation. The lead sponsor is Artvin Coruh University, with Hitit University Çorum Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital as the site.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, participants may experience better sleep and reduced pain and discomfort related to fibromyalgia.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests mind-body breathing practices can influence sleep and pain, but results vary and this exact box breathing approach is being tested in fibromyalgia.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years or older * Having a diagnosis of fibromyalgia * Having a Visual Analog Scale pain score of 5 or higher * Having a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score of 5 or higher * Being able to communicate and complete the study assessments * Voluntarily agreeing to participate and providing informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Having a respiratory condition such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease * Having a communication problem that prevents participation in the study procedures or completion of the assessment tools
Where it's running
-
Hitit University Çorum Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital
Çorum, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Emre ERKAL, PhD
- Email: emreerkal@hotmail.de
- Phone: +90 5433750709
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Respiratory Function in Fibromyalgia: A Look at Breath and Muscle Health in Women
This study compares respiratory function, muscle strength, and quality of life between women with fibromyalgia and healthy women to see if fibromyalgia affects breathing and muscle performance.
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Interoceptive Sensitivity and Central Sensitization in Fibromyalgia
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Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy (PIPT) for Fibromyalgia delivered online
A small online program tests if a psychologically informed physical therapy approach is feasible, acceptable, and safe for adults with fibromyalgia to help manage symptoms and improve daily functioning.
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This trial tests whether weekly intravenous vitamins plus melatonin can reduce pain and improve quality of life for adults with fibromyalgia compared with a placebo.
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Remote electrical neuromodulation to test pain inhibition in migraine and fibromyalgia
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.