Mindfulness practices for children with unexplained chest pain

Determining the Feasibility, Acceptability, and Effectiveness of a Self-Guided Mindfulness-Based Intervention in Pediatric Patients With Idiopathic Chest Pain: A Pilot Study

Not applicable Interventional University of British Columbia · NCT05939492

This study is testing if mindfulness practices can help children with unexplained chest pain feel better and manage their symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages11 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT05939492 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mindfulness practices in children experiencing idiopathic chest pain, which is chest pain without a known cause. Participants will engage in a mindfulness program and complete daily surveys to track their chest pain episodes, intensity, and coping mechanisms. The study will also assess the impact of mindfulness on stress levels and overall quality of life. By analyzing these factors, the trial seeks to determine if mindfulness can improve the management of chest pain in pediatric patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children diagnosed with recurrent idiopathic or musculoskeletal chest pain who are willing to engage with a mindfulness application.

Not a fit: Patients with chest pain due to structural heart disease or other acute illnesses may not benefit from this mindfulness intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help children manage their chest pain more effectively and improve their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While mindfulness interventions have shown promise in various populations, this specific application in pediatric idiopathic chest pain is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients whose primary complaint is recurrent chest pain that is diagnosed as idiopathic or musculoskeletal by a pediatric cardiologist.
* No acute illness.
* Normal ECG.
* Willing and able to download and use the Headspace application on a daily basis.
* Able to complete surveys in the English language.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients whose chest pain is secondary to pericarditis, arrhythmia, or structural heart disease.
* Patients with concurrent symptoms that could potentially interfere with the ability to determine the effect on their chest pain (e.g., palpitations or dizziness).
* Unable to provide informed assent.

Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chest PainPediatricsIdiopathic
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.