Yoga breathing and meditation program for people with spinal cord disorders
Official title: Yogic Breathing Exercise and Meditation for People With Spinal Cord Disorders
Run by University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT07655531 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A virtual 8‑week program uses yogic breathing and meditation to see if it improves breathing, fatigue, mood, and quality of life for adults with spinal cord disorders.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 22, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 2028 |
| Study ends | June 2029 |
| Registry record updated | July 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07655531 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years or older with spinal cord disorders who can access the internet, use videoconferencing, follow simple instructions, and complete questionnaires in English.
✕Probably not a fit
Individuals who do not respond to yogic breathing techniques or who have conditions that interfere with participation may not experience benefit.
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 tests an 8‑week, coach‑guided yogic breathing and meditation program delivered via Zoom for adults with spinal cord disorders. Participants complete questionnaires at three time points, undergo a 25‑minute interview after the program, and attend two 30‑minute sessions per week for breathing and meditation. The study aims to see whether the program can improve quality of life and mental health, as well as breathing and fatigue, in this population. Risks include tiredness, frustration from learning the techniques, and potential loss of confidentiality. The study is led by the University of Alabama at Birmingham and runs there with online participation and remote data collection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience better breathing, reduced fatigue, and improved emotional well‑being and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have explored yogic breathing for various conditions, but results in spinal cord disorders are limited and this approach is relatively novel for this specific population.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * spinal cord disorders * community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 18 years * able to follow simple, three-step verbal instructions (e.g., close your eyes, open your mouth, close your mouth) * access to the internet and an electronic device with videoconferencing capability * able to set up virtual sessions with/without caregiver assistance * sufficient English language proficiency to provide consent for study participation and complete self-report questionnaires Exclusion Criteria: * suicidal intent requiring emergency care * bedridden with continuous use of noninvasive ventilation * participating in weekly pulmonary PT, psychological therapy, or a clinical trial that could affect proposed study outcomes.
Where it's running
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Hon Yuen, PhD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Hon Yuen, PhD
- Email: yuen@uab.edu
- Phone: 12059346301
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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.