NCT07529379 Breathwork and Stress: Investigating the Mechanisms of Action and Effectiveness of Breathing Interventions in Modulating the Psychophysiological Response to Acute Stress Test

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This trial targets 120 participants in total. It began in 2026-04 with a primary completion date of 2026-10.

Brief Summary

This study investigates whether the psychophysiological benefits of breathing exercises are driven by a specific physiological rhythm (6 breaths per minute) or by the general psychological experience of performing a structured, mindful activity. Researchers aim to determine if "coherent breathing", which is hypothesized to synchronize heart and respiratory rhythms, offers unique physiological protection against stress compared to breathing at a natural pace or simple resting. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does slow, steady breathing at 6 breaths per minute lower physical stress markers (like heart rate variability and cortisol) better than faster, but structured breathing or just sitting still? * Is the calming effect caused by the specific breathing rhythm or simply by performing a structured, relaxing activity? Researchers will compare three groups to see if the specific rhythm of "coherent breathing" offers unique benefits: 1. Group (Interventional): Coherent Breathing: Slow breathing at 6 breaths per minute. 2. Group (Sham Breathing): Regular breathing at 15 breaths per minute (matching a natural pace). 3. Spontaneous Breathing (Control Group): Natural, unguided breathing. Participants will: * Complete a one-day preparation phase to become familiar with the breathing technique. * Visit the research center for one experimental session. * Perform their assigned breathing method before and after a stress test. * Take the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST), which involves putting a hand in cold water and doing mental math. * Provide saliva samples and have their heart rate variability, and mood measured multiple times.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: * Healthy adults * Aged 18 to 60 years * Willingness to participate in all study phases, including preparation and laboratory session. * Professionally active individuals or university students. Exclusion Criteria: * Severe chronic diseases, including metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes) and mental disorders. * Cardiac arrhythmia, history of heart attacks, strokes, or heart surgery. * Regular use of medications such as anxiolytics or beta-blockers (excluding hormonal contraception) * Pregnancy. * Current participation in other scientific experiments. * Significant previous experience with breathing techniques or current independent breathwork/meditation practice (defined as regular practice for more than 7 days in total within the last 12 months). * Professional sports practice. * Raynaud's disease * Inability to abstain from alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine for the required periods before the experiment

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