Paced Breathing Exercises for Concussion
(Breathe - PED Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether a simple paced breathing exercise can help children and teens recover faster from a concussion. Participants will either perform a daily 10-minute breathing exercise or receive standard care. The study will examine changes in symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and sleep issues before and after the exercises. It suits those aged 9-18 who have experienced a concussion within the last three days and are experiencing post-concussion symptoms like dizziness or fatigue. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance recovery strategies for young people.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for this trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What prior data suggests that this paced breathing exercise is safe for children and adolescents with concussion?
Research has shown that paced breathing exercises are generally safe for people with concussions. Studies have found that these exercises can improve heart health and reduce stress and anxiety. Participants typically tolerate them well, with few side effects reported.
One study specifically found that these breathing exercises helped reduce stress in individuals experiencing high stress levels. Although this trial focuses on children and teens, the exercises have shown benefits in other groups as well, suggesting they are likely safe. Overall, paced breathing exercises appear to be a promising and low-risk method for aiding recovery from concussion symptoms.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about using paced breathing exercises for concussions because this method offers a non-invasive, easy-to-implement approach that complements standard care. Unlike typical treatments that focus on rest and gradual return to activities, paced breathing directly engages the body's autonomic nervous system, potentially aiding recovery by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. This simple technique, involving controlled breathing patterns, can be practiced at home and may accelerate symptom improvement without the need for medication.
What evidence suggests that paced breathing exercises are effective for concussion recovery?
Research has shown that paced breathing exercises can aid in concussion recovery. In this trial, participants in the experimental group will engage in a daily 10-minute paced breathing home-exercise program. Studies have found that these exercises can reduce symptoms like anxiety and stress, which often occur after a concussion. Early results suggest that combining breathing exercises with light physical activity can speed up recovery for those with ongoing post-concussion symptoms. Breathing exercises calm the nervous system, potentially reducing symptoms related to concussions. Overall, evidence supports that paced breathing exercises might help children and teens recover faster after a concussion.14678
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children and teens aged 9-18 who come to the emergency department within 72 hours of a concussion and have at least one symptom like dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, anxiety, or sleep problems.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants perform a daily 10-minute paced breathing home-exercise program or receive usual care
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for recovery progress and assessed for intervention feasibility, time to return to school, return to sport, and medication clearance
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Paced Breathing Exercise
Trial Overview
The study tests if doing daily paced breathing exercises at home for 10 minutes helps kids recover faster from concussion symptoms compared to usual care. Participants are randomly assigned to either do the breathing exercises or receive standard care.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Active Control
In addition to the standard care in the Pediatric Emergency Department, the intervention group will have a daily 10-minutes paced breathing home-exercise program. The paced breathing exercise including inhale for 4-second and exhale for 6-seconds, for a total of 6 breaths per minute.
Treatment for a concussion involves relative physical and cognitive rest for 24-48 hours, followed by gradually returning to normal activities and school as symptoms improve.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Impact of a paced breathing exercise intervention on ...
Introduction: Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion accounts for over two million emergency department visits per year in the US alone [1,2].
The effects of paced breathing on psychological distress ...
Slow-paced breathing demonstrated significant physiological effects for injured survivors, particularly those with higher psychological distress.
Slow Recovery from Concussion? Exercise, Breathing ...
Breathing practice as well as gradual aerobic exercise may help improve concussion symptoms in teens experiencing slow recovery, according to a preliminary ...
4.
mdedge.com
mdedge.com/internalmedicine/article/261582/traumatic-brain-injury/aerobic-breathing-exercises-tied-fasterAerobic, breathing exercises tied to faster concussion ...
A combination of gradual aerobic exercise and breathing practice can help ease persistent postconcussive symptoms, preliminary findings from ...
“Hidden Gains”? Measuring the Impact of Mindfulness-based ...
Mindfulness-based interventions can support recovery from mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Although measurement is a key determinant of outcomes, there is no ...
Impact of a Paced Breathing Exercise Intervention on ...
The paced breathing exercise including inhale for 4-second and exhale for 6-seconds, for a total of 6 breaths per minute. Intervention/Treatment, Behavioral : ...
Brain changes: aerobic exercise for traumatic brain injury ...
Similar to adults with severe TBIs, researchers found improved cardiovascular health, quality of life, and increased gait speed. 3.5 Mixed injury severity.
Paced Breathing Exercises for Concussion
... Paced Breathing Exercise will have tolerable side effects & efficacy for patients with Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion. See if you qualify today!
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