Breathwork versus mindfulness for breathing, heart rate variability, and running speed in recreational runners
The Effects of a Mindfulness Program on Running Performance, Respiratory Function, and Heart Rate Variability
We are testing whether doing a 20-minute daily Les Mills Breath program helps recreational runners improve breathing, heart rate variability, and self-selected running speeds more than doing a 20-minute guided meditation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of the Fraser Valley Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chilliwack, British Columbia) |
| Trial ID | NCT07521956 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Participants who are regular recreational runners will be assigned to perform a 20-minute daily Les Mills Breath program or a 20-minute guided mindfulness meditation control. Researchers will measure changes in respiratory function, heart rate variability (as an indicator of parasympathetic recovery), and self-selected running speeds at relative moderate and vigorous intensities. Eligibility requires passing the Get Active Questionnaire and running between 30 and 520 minutes per week, with the study conducted at a single site. The trial compares the two daily interventions over the study period to see which approach produces greater physiological and performance changes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are recreational runners who regularly run 30 to 520 minutes per week and can pass the Get Active Questionnaire for safe participation.
Not a fit: People who do not run regularly, who run more than 520 minutes per week, or who cannot safely engage in exercise are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the breathwork program could help recreational runners breathe more efficiently, improve recovery via higher heart rate variability, and run faster at the same effort levels.
How similar studies have performed: Prior breath-training and breathing-intervention studies have shown mixed but promising effects on respiratory efficiency and heart rate variability, while evidence specific to the Les Mills Breath program is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Must pass the Get Active Questionnaire to assess physical activity risk * Must regularly engage in recreational running for between 30 and 520 minutes per week Exclusion Criteria: * Running more than 520 minutes per week
Where this trial is running
Chilliwack, British Columbia
- University of the Fraser Valley — Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Gillian Hatfield, PhD — University of the Fraser Valley
- Study coordinator: Gillian Hatfield, PhD
- Email: gillian.hatfield@ufv.ca
- Phone: 1 604-504-7441
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.