Breathing Techniques for Chronic Stress

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Northern Colorado

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Physical inactivity attributes to 1 out of 10 premature deaths in the US and results in the average healthcare cost of $117,000,000,00 per year1. Additionally, chronic inflammation and its relationship with multiple disease states including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and all autoimmune conditions effects about 125 million 125 million Americans and is the cause of about 60% of deaths worldwide2. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) acts as a delicate balancing act between sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, SNS and PSNS respectively. In situations of chronic inflammation and/or chronic stress there is dysregulation of the ANS and subsequent determents to immune function. High intensity interval training (HIIT) has shown as a validated method of improving immune function and specifically natural killer cell (NKC) quantity, function, and cytotoxicity in previously sedentary individuals. NKC mobilization into the vasculature is influenced by activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and elicit β-adrenergic-mediated improvements in immune function. Yet HIIT is not appropriate for all individuals, a breathing practice known as cyclic hyperventilation with retention (CHR) mimics the influences of the ANS observed with HIIT training and may elicit the same improvements of immune function. The overarching goal of this investigation is to determine the effects of 2-week HIIT or CHR intervention on measures of overall health, circulating biomarkers of health, and NKC quantity and function.

Research Team

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals with autonomic dysfunction, dysautonomia, cancer, chronic stress, or disorders of the autonomic nervous system. It aims to explore how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and a breathing technique called cyclic hyperventilation with retention (CHR) can impact health.

Inclusion Criteria

I can complete a fitness readiness survey without needing a doctor's approval.

Participants must score in the mild or greater category for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress on the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21). Depression score ≥ 10, Anxiety score ≥ 8, and Stress score ≥ 14

I am between 18 and 50 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I am either younger than 18 or older than 50.

I have a serious lung condition like asthma or COPD.

I have a serious heart or blood vessel condition.

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Cyclic Hyperventilation with Retention (Behavioural Intervention)
• High intensity interval training (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview The study tests whether HIIT or CHR can improve immune function and overall health in participants. It measures changes in natural killer cell activity and circulating biomarkers after a 2-week intervention period using these techniques.

Participant Groups

Group I: CON, control Active Control 1 Intervention

The control group will undergo the same testing procedures outlined above, but they will be asked to maintain their current level of activity and normal daily habits for the duration of the intervention.

Group II: HIG, High intensity group Active Control 1 Intervention

During the exercise session HR will be measured via Polar heart rate strap (Kempele, Finland). The training sessions will consist of six, 90-second high intensity cycling (HIC) sprints performed on a cycle ergometer (Monark Ergomedic 895E, Monark, Varberg, Sweden) at 80-90% VO2max, followed by 180 seconds of low intensity cycling (LIC) at 50-60% of VO2max. During both HIC and LIC intensities, participants will be asked RPE, which will be compared to the participants heart rate throughout the exercise sessions. This supervised training protocol will require 9 minutes of HIC at 80-90% VO2max and 18 minutes of LIC at 50-60% VO2max. The cycling session will begin with a brief warm up and end with a cool down totaling the entire supervised exercise session for 30 minutes. Training sessions will be performed 48 hours post the previous training session for a total of 3 times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Group III: CHG, Cyclic hyperventilation group Active Control 1 Intervention

The breathing intervention will consist of a once daily breathing practice lasting about 5 to 10 minutes for 5 days per week. Breathing practice is a form of cyclic hyperventilation consisting of 30 breath (inhalation and exhalation) repetitions followed by an exhaled breath retention for 15 seconds during the first week and up to 30 seconds during the second week. A total of 3 rounds will be performed by the participants. Participants will be instructed to perform breathing repetitions in a controlled and consistent manner while either seated or lying down. Participants will receive guided instruction via a video on breath cycle queues, informing the participants when to inhale, exhale and when to retain their breath while being supervised by the research team via zoom call9. Upon completion of the breath training sessions the research team will conduct a guided cooldown and check in with all participants to ensure they are feeling no adverse side effects from the breathing exercise.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Northern Colorado

Lead Sponsor

Trials

8

Recruited

550+