Yogic breathing exercises for people with ALS
Yogic Breathing Exercise for People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
NA · University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT05979688
This study is testing if a 6-week online breathing exercise program can help improve breathing, speech, and emotional well-being for adults with ALS.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT05979688 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a 6-week virtual yogic breathing exercise program (YBEP) on improving breathing, speech, and emotional well-being in adults diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Utilizing a randomized controlled trial design, participants will be assigned to either the YBEP or a waitlist control group, with assessments conducted at baseline, immediately after the program, and at a 3-month follow-up. The study will recruit thirty adults with ALS to test two main hypotheses regarding the program's impact on various health outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of ALS or myasthenia gravis who can follow multistep commands and have stable medication regimens.
Not a fit: Patients with a life expectancy of less than 6 months or those with severe impairments that hinder online participation may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could enhance the quality of life for patients with ALS by improving their respiratory function and emotional health.
How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific intervention using yogic breathing exercises for ALS is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. confirmed ALS or myasthenia gravis diagnosis 2. age \>18 yrs old; 3. ability to follow multistep commands, 4. on a stable dose of medications for \>60 days, 5. FVC ≥20% predicted, 6. Score of either 2 or 3 on the ALSFRS-R "Speech" subscale, and 7. access to internet and a computer or smartphone that can perform videoconferencing. Exclusion Criteria: 1. life expectancy is less than 6 months, 2. severe hearing or visual impairments that prevent online learning (breathing exercise), or 3. current participation in another clinical trial during the study period that can affect the outcomes of the study.
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- 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: 2059346301
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.
Conditions: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Myasthenia gravis