Slow-paced breathing to boost heart rate variability in healthy young adults
Official title: The Effect of A Slow-Paced Breathing Intervention on Heart Rate Variability, Stress, and Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns in Healthy Young Adults
Run by Bahçeşehir University · NCT07874750 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether a 6-week slow-paced breathing program can improve heart rate variability and lower perceived stress in healthy young adults with dysfunctional breathing patterns.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Bahçeşehir University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 18, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 6, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 20, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07874750 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Eligible participants are healthy, non-smoking adults 18–25 years old without chronic diseases and willing to commit to the six-week breathing program.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals with cardiovascular, respiratory, or neurological disorders, or those using medications affecting heart rate, may not benefit and are excluded.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study enrolls healthy adults aged 18 to 25 to practice a structured slow-paced breathing protocol for six weeks. The researchers will measure changes in heart rate variability, which reflects autonomic nervous system balance, and perceived stress, as well as dysfunctional breathing symptoms. The trial uses a low-cost, non-invasive breathing exercise approach to see if it can be integrated into routine clinical practice. Primary outcomes focus on autonomic function and stress, with secondary aims examining breathing pattern improvements. No drug or invasive procedures are involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience improved autonomic balance and reduced stress through a simple, sustainable breathing technique.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on slow-paced breathing has shown improvements in autonomic function and stress; this study extends those findings to healthy young adults with dysfunctional breathing patterns.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy young adults aged 18 to 25 years. * Non-smokers. * Free from any chronic diseases. * Willingness to complete the 6-week slow-paced breathing intervention protocol. * Capable of understanding the study requirements and providing written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Known cardiovascular, respiratory, or severe neurological disorders. * History of any chronic disease. * Active smoking or tobacco use. * Current use of medications affecting heart rate or the autonomic nervous system. * Prior regular practice of formal slow-breathing exercises, biofeedback, or yoga breathing techniques. * Inability to follow the intervention protocol.
Where it's running
-
Bahcesehir University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation laboratory
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.