None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
Anxiety disorders are among the most prevalent mental health conditions globally, affecting an estimated 301 million people worldwide. Anxiety is also recognised as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease via dysregulation of our automatic nervous systems increased inflammation. Therefore, in this study we aim to: 1: Determine which heart health markers are raised in people with elevated anxiety; 2: Determine how a single session of different breathing protocols improve state anxiety compared to a control condition (quiet rest); and 3: Determine how a single session of different breathing protocols improve cardiovascular and respiratory markers compared to a control condition (quiet rest). We hypothesise that heart health markers will be raised in people with elevated anxiety, and that each of the three breathing interventions will improve these heart markers at the same time as making people less anxious.
Interventions
Measurement sessions before and after intervention:
All participants will attend a single in-person session located in the University of Otago Psychology Department lasting approximately 90 minutes. Each session will include completion of self-report questionnaires, baseline physiological measurements, a pre-intervention hypercapnia sensitivity test, one randomly assigned guided breathing intervention, and a post-intervention hypercapnia sensitivity test.
Physiological measurements include: hea
Measurement sessions before and after intervention: All participants will attend a single in-person session located in the University of Otago Psychology Department lasting approximately 90 minutes. Each session will include completion of self-report questionnaires, baseline physiological measurements, a pre-intervention hypercapnia sensitivity test, one randomly assigned guided breathing intervention, and a post-intervention hypercapnia sensitivity test. Physiological measurements include: heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), pre-ejection period (PEP), tidal volume (TV), minute ventilation (VE), and pressure of end tidal CO2 (PETCO2). Pre and post-intervention questionnaires to assess mental well-being include the State-Trait Anxiety Questionnaire. Measurements are taken by trained experimenters who hold a current certification in CPR. Breathing intervention: Participants will then be randomised into one of the four groups using a computer-generated sequence. All interventions will be standardised through pre-recorded video tutorials developed by Mr Fraser Beck. The videos will explain the theory behind each breathing exercise using both an indigenous Maori narrative and a Western-science explanation to represent the dual-narrative approach (approximately 4 minutes). The intervention will then be 10 minutes in duration followed by a further 5 minute monitoring of physiological signals. The interventions include: 1. Resonant Breathing (RF)– slow rhythmic nasal breathing (~6 breaths per minute). 2. Physiological Sighs (PS) – two short nasal inhalations followed by an extended sigh breath exhalation. 3. Extended Exhalation with Humming (EEH) – prolonged exhalation (1:2 inhale to exhale ratio) combined with gentle humming. 4. Control – quiet rest Physiological signals (HR, HRV, PEP, RR, VE, TV, PETCO2) will be collected throughout, and the participant will be supervised by a research staff member at all times to ensure adherence.
Sponsors
University of Otago
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Aged between 18 and 45 years Able to provide written informed consent Able to adhere to all study procedures Exhibit moderate trait anxiety (STAI-T at or above 40) OR low trait anxiety for the controls (STAI-T at or below 30)
Exclusion criteria
Current use of nicotine, illicit drugs, or psychoactive medication Alcohol consumption within 24 hours of testing History of cardiac or respiratory conditions, including asthma History of psychosis, panic disorder, or other severe mental illness (i.e., severe mental illness is defined as clinically diagnosed conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or conditions requiring acute psychiatric care) Diagnosis of any severe medical condition Currently pregnant or breastfeeding Elite athletes or those engaging in intense exercise within 4 hours of testing
Outcome results
None listed