Breathing Techniques to Support Stress and Resilience in Physical Therapy Students

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Sixty undergraduate physical therapy students with moderate to high stress will be randomly assigned to diaphragmatic breathing, box breathing, or a no-intervention control group for four weeks. Primary outcome is heart rate variability as a sign of physiological adaptation; secondary outcomes include perceived stress, cognitive performance, and academic achievement. The study uses a structured breathing program with supervised sessions to evaluate safety and feasibility in a healthy student population. Results will inform whether these simple, non-drug techniques can support stress management and resilience in healthcare education.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Academic Status: Currently enrolled, full-time undergraduate Physical Therapy students
* Age Range: 18-25 years
* Health Status: Generally healthy individuals with no known chronic respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
* Informed Consent: Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent and commit to the 4-week protocol (6 sessions/week).
* Stress Level: A baseline score on the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) indicating at least moderate stress.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pre-existing Breathing Expertise: Individuals with professional training in yoga (Pranayama), formal meditation, or advanced breath work that might bias the baseline results.
* Medical Conditions: Diagnosed respiratory conditions (e.g., Asthma, COPD).
* Cardiovascular issues (e.g., Arrhythmias, Hypertension).
* Clinical psychological disorders (e.g., Generalized Anxiety Disorder or Panic Disorder) that may require medication.
* Pharmacological Factors: Use of medications that influence the Autonomic Nervous System (e.g., Beta-blockers, antidepressants, or heavy use of stimulants/sedatives).
* Substance Use: Smokers/Vapers
* Excessive Caffeine "Participants consuming more than 400 mg of caffeine per day (equivalent to approximately 4 standard cups of brewed coffee) will be excluded.
* Recent Acute Illness: Any respiratory tract infection or fever within two weeks prior to the start of the study

Where it's running

• Faculty of Physical Therapy, Deraya University
  Minya, Minya Province, Egypt Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Alaa N Nasser, B.Sc. in Physical Therapy
• Email: alaa.nasser1713@gmail.com
• Phone: +201061382864

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.