Using breathing techniques to prevent chronic PTSD after trauma
Official title: Interest of Cardiac Coherence in the Prevention of Chronic Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: Pilot Study
Run by Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Réunion · NCT04701723 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if breathing techniques can help people with acute stress disorder after a trauma avoid developing chronic PTSD.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 44 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de la Réunion Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Saint-Paul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 19, 2021 |
| Main results expected | May 2027 |
| Study ends | May 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04701723 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with acute stress disorder within 3-15 days of experiencing a potentially traumatic event.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe cardiac illness, respiratory pathologies, or those currently on specific medications may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a respiratory training program, known as cardiac coherence, in patients diagnosed with acute stress disorder following a traumatic event. Participants will receive training from a practitioner and will use a smartphone guide along with a diary to track their compliance with the program. The goal is to determine if this approach can prevent the development of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder within three months. The study will also assess the feasibility and acceptability of this complementary therapy for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce the incidence of chronic PTSD in individuals who have recently experienced trauma.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using cardiac coherence is relatively novel, similar studies on breathing techniques have shown promise in managing stress and anxiety.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * patients seen at medico-psychological emergency cell * patients with an acute stress disorder, diagnosed by DSM-5 * patients who have experienced a potentially traumatic event for the last 3-15 days (vctim or witness) * patients able to read and write in French language * person affiliated or beneficiary of a social security scheme. * person who agrees to participate in the study Exclusion Criteria: * patients with respiratory pathology not allowing cardiac coherence training * patients currently practicing a regular respiratory control technique or within the last 6 months * patients taking beta-blocker, betamimetic, anti-arrhythmic, opioid, antidepressant * patients with a pacemaker or suffering from severe cardiac illness * patients with non-stabilized psychiatric disorder at inclusion * patient taking benzodiazepine unable to wean off in the week following the inclusion * patients with addiction * patients with a cognitive deficit * patients under guardianship or curatorship, under judicial supervision
Where it's running
-
Etablissement Public de Santé Mentale de La Réunion
Saint-Paul, Reunion Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Erick GOKALSING — Etablissement Public de Santé Mentale de La Réunion
- Study coordinator: Emilie TECHER
- Email: emilie.techer@chu-reunion.fr
- Phone: +262 262 90 62 89
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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.