Mindful Breathing for Healthy Aging

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Disqualifiers: Age, Language, 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 aims to explore how mindful breathing impacts the ability to quickly name objects in pictures. Participants will either engage in a ten-minute mindful breathing exercise or listen to a recorded talk about mindfulness before identifying objects in pictures. They will also complete surveys and have their heart rate monitored. Individuals fluent in English, aged 18-35 or 60-80, are well-suited for this study. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the benefits of mindfulness practices.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that mindful breathing exercises are safe?

Research shows that mindful breathing exercises are generally safe for most people. Studies have found that these exercises can help lower stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm. For older adults, mindful breathing has improved emotional well-being and life satisfaction.

No serious side effects have been reported from mindful breathing exercises. Most people, including those with long-term health conditions, tolerate them well. This makes mindful breathing a low-risk activity for participants in this study. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about mindful breathing exercises for healthy aging because they offer a non-invasive, drug-free approach to enhance mental well-being and cognitive function. Unlike typical treatments for aging-related cognitive decline, which often involve medications with potential side effects, mindful breathing emphasizes stress reduction and mindfulness. This technique can be easily practiced anywhere, requires no special equipment, and may improve emotional regulation and focus, contributing to healthier aging.

What evidence suggests that mindful breathing might be an effective treatment for healthy aging?

Research shows that mindful breathing, which participants in this trial may practice, can reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation. Studies have found that this breathing exercise calms the body's stress response. In older adults, mindfulness practices like mindful breathing have been linked to better physical and emotional health. Additionally, breathwork has improved stress levels and mental health. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that mindful breathing might also enhance thinking skills, such as quickly naming objects. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals aged 18-35 or 60-80 who are fluent in English. It's not suitable for those younger than 18, between the ages of 36-59, older than 80, or non-fluent English speakers.

Exclusion Criteria

I am under 18 years old.

Not a fluent English speaker

I am between 36 and 59 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Intervention

Participants engage in a 10-minute mindful breathing exercise or listen to a 10-minute recorded info about mindfulness, followed by naming pictured objects

1 hour

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for response time and accuracy in naming pictures

1 hour

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Mindful breathing exercise

Trial Overview The study tests if mindful breathing exercises can improve the speed and accuracy of naming objects in pictures compared to listening to an auditory presentation. Participants will also fill out surveys and have their heart rate monitored during the one-hour session.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Mindful Breathing Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

10 minute mindful breathing exercise

Group II: Control Placebo Group 1 Intervention

10 minute recorded info about mindfulness

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Lead Sponsor

Trials

20

Recruited

5,500+

Citations

1. 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.

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4868399/

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Older Adults: A Review of ... The present review examined 15 studies investigating the effects of mindfulness-based interventions on physical and emotional wellbeing in older adults.

3. 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 ...

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07046091?term=heart+disease

Effects of a 20-Minute Mindfulness-Based Breathing ... Recent studies have shown that a single 20-minute mindful breathing session significantly reduced dyspnea in patients with chronic lung disease ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S1874944520000295

Effectiveness of Deep Breathing and Body Scan Meditation ... The results of this study showed that deep breathing exercise and body scan meditation combined with relaxation music improved sleep quality and QOL in older ...

6. journalijar.com journalijar.com/uploads/2025/08/68a99d143704a_IJAR-46286.pdf

effectiveness of mindful breathing technique on life ... Conclusion: This study concluded that the mindful breathing technique is an effective method in increasing life satisfaction among elderly people.