Paced breathing to improve autonomic function after pediatric concussion
Impact of a Paced Breathing Exercise Intervention on Autonomic Nervous System Function and Symptom Severity in Youth Post-concussion: a Pilot Feasibility Study
This project tests whether a daily 10-minute paced breathing exercise started within 72 hours of injury can help children and teens (ages 9–18) recover faster and reduce autonomic-related symptoms after concussion.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 9 Years to 18 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Montreal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT07572734 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized pilot compares a home-based, daily 10-minute paced breathing program to usual care for children and adolescents who present to the emergency department within 0–72 hours after concussion. Participants aged 9–18 perform the breathing exercise each day, record sessions in a log, and receive weekly phone check-ins to monitor recovery and adjust instructions as needed. The primary aim is to determine feasibility of administering the intervention in the acute post-injury period, with secondary measures including autonomic-related symptom severity, overall post-concussion symptoms, anxiety, sleep, and time to symptom improvement. The trial is conducted at the Montreal Children's Hospital under the McGill University Health Centre.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children and adolescents aged 9–18 who present to the emergency department within 0–72 hours after concussion and report at least one autonomic-related post-concussion symptom are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with known heart disease, prior neurological disorders other than concussion, those presenting more than 72 hours after injury, or those without autonomic-type symptoms are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this simple, low-risk breathing program could speed recovery and reduce autonomic and post-concussion symptoms in children and adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Breathing and heart-rate variability interventions have shown benefits for anxiety and autonomic regulation in other populations, but evidence specifically for early pediatric concussion is limited to small or pilot studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 9-18 years old * 0-72 hours post-concussion * present to the ED with at least one post-concussion symptom in the Post-concussion Symptom Inventory (PSCI) that is relevant to ANS dysfunction (e.g. dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, anxiety or sleep disturbances) Exclusion Criteria: * known heart disease, * previous neurological problems other than concussion
Where this trial is running
Montreal, Quebec
- Montreal Children's Hospital — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Isabelle Gagnon, PhD
- Email: isabelle.gagnon8@mcgill.ca
- Phone: 514-412-4400
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.