Structured Breathing for Burnout

Recruiting at 3 trial locations

Overseen By Paul Min, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: Psychotic disorder, Substance use, Neurological, Chronic lung, Pregnancy, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 2

Duration: 4 months

40 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how structured breathing might aid mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep problems. Participants will engage in self-guided breathing sessions aimed at boosting mental well-being and brain circulation. Healthcare professionals who have experienced significant burnout and are physically fit for light exercise are encouraged to join. The trial aims to understand both the immediate and long-term benefits of this simple breathing technique.

As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to innovative research that may enhance mental health strategies for many.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

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 structured breathing is safe for mental health?

Research has shown that structured breathing is generally safe. Studies have found it can boost mood and lower anxiety, with no serious side effects reported. Specifically, a 14-week structured breathing program greatly improved happiness and emotional control, while also aiding sleep and reducing worry. These studies suggest that structured breathing is well-tolerated and beneficial for mental health. However, while the results are promising, further research is needed to fully understand its effects. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Structured Breathing is unique because it focuses on enhancing mental well-being through self-guided breathing exercises, which is a non-invasive and drug-free approach. Unlike traditional treatments for burnout, such as medication or therapy, Structured Breathing aims to improve brain circulation by simply altering breathing patterns. Researchers are excited about this method because it offers a natural, accessible way to potentially relieve stress and improve mental health without the side effects often associated with pharmaceuticals.

What evidence suggests that structured breathing is effective for mental health symptoms?

Research shows that structured breathing, which participants in this trial will engage in, can improve mental health. Studies have found that breathwork can lift mood and reduce anxiety. It also helps lower stress and improves sleep quality. Breathing exercises trigger the body's relaxation response, calming the mind and easing stress and depression. Overall, early findings suggest that structured breathing may be a useful tool for managing mental health challenges. ^{1 3 4 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Pravesh Sharma, MD

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for clinical care professionals experiencing symptoms of burnout, stress, anxiety, or poor sleep quality. Participants should be interested in practicing structured breathing exercises as a potential way to improve mental well-being.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants must score ≥40 on Copenhagen Burnout Inventory Q1-6

I can do light exercise.

Participants should read and understand English well enough to consent, complete measures, and follow instructions

Exclusion Criteria

Active primary psychotic disorder or substance use disorder (except nicotine dependence) within the past year

Severe or unstable medical condition that could interfere with participation or data collection

I have a chronic lung condition or an aneurysm.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants engage in self-guided breathing sessions to improve mental well-being

4 months

Questionnaire completion at baseline, 2 month, and 4 month intervals

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for long-term effects on mental health and sleep quality

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Structured Breathing

Trial Overview The study is testing the effects of structured breathing exercises on mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, stress levels, and sleep quality among healthcare workers suffering from burnout syndrome.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Breathing Intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Engaging in self-guided breathing sessions to improve brain circulation and mental well-being.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9873947/

Brief structured respiration practices enhance mood and ... Breathwork produces greater improvement in mood and reduction in respiratory rate, while both result in reduction in negative emotion including state anxiety.

2. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-022-27247-y

Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A meta- ... Overall, results showed that breathwork may be effective for improving stress and mental health. However, we urge caution and advocate for nuanced research ...

3. bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-025-22585-8

A 14-week structured breathing program: an investigation into ... The results of this study suggest that breathing exercises may have a positive impact on mental health, including improvements in psychological ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10741869/

Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction Effective breathing interventions support greater parasympathetic tone, which can counterbalance the high sympathetic activity intrinsic to stress and anxiety.

5. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2076-3271/13/3/127

Breathwork for Chronic Stress and Mental Health Accumulating evidence suggests breathwork may serve as both a preventive and adjunctive therapy for chronic stress, anxiety, and depression, given its potential ...

6. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07218458

A Study Of Resilience And Mental Well-Being Through ... The purpose of this study is to assess the immediate and long-term effects of structured breathing on clinical symptoms related to mental health ...

7. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2227-9032/13/16/2049

Mind–Body Practices for Mental Health in Higher Education Specific body-based practices, such as breathing and grounding techniques, were perceived as helpful, and the findings suggest that students with better mental ...