Using cardiac coherence to reduce anxiety during MRI exams

Evaluating the Contribution of a Cardiac Coherence Session to Reducing Patients' Anxiety During a Medical Magnetic Resonance Imaging Examination

University Hospital, Toulouse · NCT05893121

This study tests if a simple breathing technique can help reduce anxiety in patients who feel nervous about getting an MRI.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Toulouse (other)
Locations1 site (Toulouse)
Trial IDNCT05893121 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a single cardiac coherence session in reducing anxiety levels in patients undergoing MRI examinations. The study focuses on patients who experience significant anxiety related to the MRI process, which can lead to motion artifacts and poor image quality. By implementing a non-invasive and easy-to-administer cardiac coherence technique, the study seeks to improve patient comfort and the overall quality of MRI results. The research will involve assessing anxiety levels before and after the intervention to determine its impact.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are scheduled for an MRI of the upper half of the body and have a high level of anxiety related to the procedure.

Not a fit: Patients who are sedated, unconscious, or undergoing emergency MRI examinations may not benefit from this intervention.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing MRI, leading to better examination outcomes and fewer cancellations.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of cardiac coherence is a relatively novel approach in this context, similar non-invasive techniques have shown promise in reducing anxiety in various medical settings.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Person affiliated to or benefiting from a social security scheme;
* Free, informed and written consent signed by the participant and the investigator (at the latest on the day of inclusion and before any examination required by the research);
* Patient to undergo an MRI examination of the upper half of the body
* Patient over 18 years old
* Patient with a high level of anxiety (score ≥ 4) in relation to MRI

Non-inclusion Criteria:

* Patient under legal protection or under another protection regime (guardianship, curatorship).
* Sedated or unconscious patient
* Patient performing an emergency MRI examination
* Patient with a level of French language that does not allow sufficient understanding for the completion of questionnaires

Exclusion criteria:

\- STAI Y-A score \< 46 (insignificant or low anxiety)

Where this trial is running

Toulouse

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Anxiety, cardiac coherence, improving patient management

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.