Breathing practice to improve brain and mental health in cancer and MS patients
Enhancing Brain and Mental Health Through Respiratory Training: Clinical Applications in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Disease Care for Patients and Caregivers (Breathing Study)
This study tests whether breathing exercises through a mobile app can help improve brain and mental health for people with cancer and multiple sclerosis, along with their caregivers.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 147 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Mayo Clinic Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Rochester, Minnesota) |
| Trial ID | NCT06788886 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effects of respiratory training on brain and mental health for patients with multiple sclerosis and various types of cancer, along with their caregivers. Participants will engage in breathing exercises using a mobile app and may attend online or in-person sessions with instructors. The study aims to evaluate both immediate and long-term benefits of improved respiratory function on oxygen delivery to brain tissues and overall mental well-being. Additionally, it seeks to develop a practical support tool for patients and caregivers to enhance their treatment experience.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with multiple sclerosis or specific types of cancer, along with their caregivers, who are physically fit enough to perform light exercise.
Not a fit: Patients who are not physically fit enough to perform light exercise or do not have access to a smartphone or tablet may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with improved mental health and cognitive function through enhanced respiratory practices.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with respiratory training in improving mental health and cognitive function, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * STUDY 1: Participants must be physically fit enough to perform light exercise. * STUDY 1: Should read and understand English well enough to consent, complete measures, and follow instructions. * STUDY 1: Must have access to a smartphone or tablet. * STUDY 2: Participants must be physically fit enough to perform light exercise. * STUDY 2: Cancer patients may have prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumor, or brain cancer in any stage. * STUDY 2: The main focus is on pairs of cancer patients and their respective caregivers, but individual cancer patients or individual caregivers are also acceptable. * STUDY 2: Participants should read and understand English well enough to consent, complete measures, and follow instructions. * STUDY 2: They also must have access to a smartphone or tablet. * STUDY 3: Participants must be physically fit enough to perform light exercise. * STUDY 3: The patient should have multiple sclerosis. * STUDY 3: Participants should read and understand English well enough to consent, complete measures, and follow instructions. * STUDY 3: They also must have access to a smartphone or tablet. Exclusion Criteria: * STUDY 1: Participants incompatible with MRI machines due to factors such as pacemakers or metallic implants. * STUDY 1: Additionally, those with chronic medical conditions, including heart disease (coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, cancer, diabetes, sleep apnea, aneurysms, and neurological conditions (epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington' disease, essential tremor and Parkinson disease) are excluded. * STUDY 1: Participants with psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, suicidality, bipolar disorder, major depression, and substance use disorders are excluded. * STUDY 1: Participants serving as caregivers for any of the aforementioned conditions and for other illnesses such as cancer or neurological disorders, are also excluded. * STUDY 1: Further exclusions apply to those with severe vision, hearing impairments, have a body mass index (BMI) over 30, and those who are pregnant. * STUDY 1: Those planning to become pregnant during the study period will be excluded. * STUDY 2: Participants incompatible with MRI machines due to factors such as pacemakers or metallic implants are excluded, as are those with chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease \[COPD\], cystic fibrosis), aneurysms, and those who are pregnant. * STUDY 2: Those planning to become pregnant during the study period will be excluded. * STUDY 3: Participants incompatible with MRI machines due to factors such as pacemakers or metallic implants are excluded, as are those with chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease \[COPD\], cystic fibrosis), aneurysms, and those who are pregnant. * STUDY 3: Those planning to become pregnant during the study period will be excluded.
Where this trial is running
Rochester, Minnesota
- Mayo Clinic in Rochester — Rochester, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Paul H. Min, PhD — Mayo Clinic in Rochester
- Study coordinator: Clinical Trials Referral Office
- Email: mayocliniccancerstudies@mayo.edu
- Phone: 855-776-0015
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.