Guided Deep Breathing for ADHD

Overseen By James D Lynch, Ph.D.

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Boston Children's Hospital

Must not be taking: Non-stimulants

Disqualifiers: Intellectual disability, Autism, Hearing impairments, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores the potential benefits of guided deep breathing for children with ADHD, a condition that can hinder concentration and impulse control. The researchers aim to determine if a simple breathing technique, aided by a special tool called Domi, can improve attention and behavior in children with ADHD. Children who struggle with focus and have been diagnosed with ADHD might be suitable for this trial, provided they are not on certain ADHD medications and do not have other conditions like autism or hearing issues. The findings could lead to more affordable and accessible treatment options for ADHD in the future. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity for children to potentially benefit from innovative, non-medication-based interventions for ADHD.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If your child is currently taking non-stimulant medication for ADHD, they cannot participate in this trial. The protocol does not specify about other medications, so it's best to discuss with the trial coordinators.

What prior data suggests that this deep breathing technique is safe for children with ADHD?

Research has shown that mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, are generally safe. Studies on mindfulness for ADHD suggest these techniques carry few risks. For instance, a review on children with ADHD found that mindfulness can improve symptoms without causing harm.

Deep breathing, a simple mindfulness technique, helps calm the body and mind. It is easy to perform and usually well-tolerated by children. Another study examined the use of a device to guide breathing for anxiety reduction and found it effective and safe.

In summary, deep breathing is a low-risk method that might help manage ADHD symptoms in children. However, consulting a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment is always advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about guided deep breathing for ADHD because it offers a non-pharmaceutical alternative to traditional treatments like stimulant medications and behavioral therapy. Unlike medications, which can have side effects, deep breathing is a natural technique that promotes relaxation and focus by regulating the nervous system. This method could provide a simple, accessible way for children to manage symptoms without the need for drugs, making it an appealing option for those seeking more holistic approaches.

What evidence suggests that guided deep breathing might be an effective treatment for ADHD?

Research has shown that mindfulness activities, such as deep breathing, can help manage ADHD symptoms. Studies have found that deep breathing significantly improves focus and reduces hyperactivity in children with ADHD. Specifically, diaphragmatic breathing, which involves deep breathing using the diaphragm, is linked to better attention control. In this trial, participants will engage in a guided deep breathing intervention. Early results suggest that guided deep breathing may help children with ADHD maintain attention longer and react faster. This approach offers a promising and affordable way to support current treatments. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for children with ADHD who may benefit from a mindfulness-based intervention. The study aims to help those who still struggle despite existing treatments and seeks alternatives that are low-cost and easy to access.

Inclusion Criteria

Parent-reported ADHD diagnosis for the participant

I am between 7 and 11 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

Previous confirmed or suspected diagnosis of intellectual disability

Previous confirmed or suspected diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder

I am taking non-stimulant medication for ADHD.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Deep Breathing Intervention

Children will complete a brief deep breathing intervention using the Domi tool, designed to optimize child engagement with haptic vibrations for pacing guidance.

Single session

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after the intervention through behavioral and neurophysiological assessments.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Guided deep breathing

Trial Overview The trial tests the effects of guided deep breathing on attention and behavior in children with ADHD. Using a tool called Domi, which provides haptic feedback for breathing pacing, researchers will measure improvements in sustained attention and other cognitive functions.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Deep Breathing Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Children will complete a brief deep breathing intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Boston Children's Hospital

Lead Sponsor

Trials

801

Recruited

5,584,000+

Citations

1. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07037030

NCT07037030 | Mindfulness ADHD Intervention We predict that following a brief deep breathing practice, children with ADHD will demonstrate improved sustained attention, reaction time ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3267931/

The Effectiveness of Mindfulness Training for Children with ... This study evaluated the effectiveness of an 8-week mindfulness training for children aged 8–12 with ADHD and parallel mindful parenting training for their ...

3. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4403871/

Mindfulness Meditation Training for Attention-Deficit ... The effectiveness of body-oriented methods of therapy in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): Results of a controlled pilot study.

4. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00874/full

The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Attention ... In the present study, our 20 sessions of diaphragmatic breathing practice significantly decreased the NA scores in the BIG. This is consistent ...

5. bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com bmcpsychology.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40359-025-02747-4

The effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction ... A study from Canada reported that parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experienced deterioration in parental ...

6. scholarworks.sjsu.edu scholarworks.sjsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1013&context=etd_doctoral

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Mindfulness ... The purpose of this paper is to review, analyze and synthesize the literature on ADHD and mindfulness meditation in children and adolescents. More specifically, ...

7. nccih.nih.gov nccih.nih.gov/health/meditation-and-mindfulness-effectiveness-and-safety

Meditation and Mindfulness: Effectiveness and Safety | NCCIH Meditation and mindfulness practices usually are considered to have few risks. However, few studies have examined these practices for potentially harmful ...

8. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.678098/full

Reducing Test Anxiety by Device-Guided Breathing: A Pilot ... This paper addresses the effectiveness of using DGB as a self-treatment clinical tool for test anxiety reduction.