Group breathwork for managing chronic pain

Group Breathwork Intervention for Chronic Pain

This study is testing a group breathing exercise program to see if it can help people with chronic muscle and joint pain feel better.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 70 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Florida (Academic / other)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy, radiation
• Locations: 1 site (Gainesville, Florida)
• Trial ID: NCT06977984 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research aims to develop and refine a group integrative breathwork intervention specifically designed for individuals suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain. The study will involve multiple iterations of the intervention, gathering both quantitative and qualitative data to optimize the approach before conducting a pilot randomized controlled trial against a waitlist control group. The focus is on assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and potential clinical significance of the breathwork intervention in alleviating chronic pain symptoms.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-70 with chronic musculoskeletal pain lasting at least three months and an average pain intensity of 4/10 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic pain due to specific medical conditions or those with significant respiratory disorders may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a non-pharmacological approach to managing chronic pain, improving patients' quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on integrative breathwork for chronic pain, similar approaches in breathwork and mind-body therapies have shown promise in other studies.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Men and women 18-70 years of age.
2. Chronic musculoskeletal pain lasting for at least 3 months as a symptom of axial pain (e.g., back, neck) or limb pain (e.g., shoulder, knee, hip, wrist).
3. Average pain intensity of ≥ 4/10 for the past month.
4. Access to internet with a valid email address
5. Able to lay down and stay relatively still for one hour.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Any suspicion of a medical (orthopedic, rheumatic or neurological) disease, that can fully explain the current level of severity of pain.
2. Chronic pain possibly due to specific conditions (e.g., cancer, infection).
3. Ongoing legal action or disability claim related to chronic pain.
4. Neurological disease (e.g. Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, history of seizures) or moderate or severe symptoms from a previous brain injury, including stroke and traumatic brain injury.
5. Respiratory disorder (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or moderate to severe asthma within the past 12 months.
6. Activity limiting heart disease including cardiovascular or peripheral arterial disease.
7. Uncontrolled hypertension (i.e. SBP/DBP of \> 160/95) or orthostatic hypotension (e.g., issues with fainting).
8. Serious acute physical injuries or major surgery within the past 6 months.
9. Serious psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, panic disorder) or mental health issues requiring hospitalization within the past 12 months or currently on antipsychotic medications.
10. History of hospitalization or treatment of substance use disorder within the past 12 months.
11. Currently undergoing curative or palliative chemotherapy or radiation.
12. Pregnant.
13. Glaucoma or detached retina.
14. Current participation or participation in the past 2 months of an interventional research study.
15. Cognitive impairment or factors that would preclude comprehension of material and/or full participation in the study.
16. Any significant comorbidities or other reasons that, in the opinion of the investigators, could interfere with the study or lead to deleterious effects for the participant.

Where this trial is running

Gainesville, Florida

• University of Florida Clinical Research Center — Gainesville, Florida, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Steven Pratscher, PhD

Conditions Chronic Pain; Breathwork; Integrative Breathwork Intervention; Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain; Breathing Therapy; Intervention Development