Enhancing Brain And Mental Health Through Breathing Practice

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a structured breathing intervention in rural adolescents (n = 40) diagnosed with anxiety and depression, recruited from outpatient pediatric and child/adolescent psychiatry clinics. Primary outcomes will include measures of acceptability (e.g., participant/caregiver satisfaction) and adherence (e.g., completion of breathing practices and session attendance) and retention over the study period.

Specific Aim 2: To explore the short-term effects of structured breathing practice on cerebral circulation and emotional well-being. Secondary outcomes will include changes in cerebral hemodynamics (e.g., via fNIRS and physiological metrics) and changed in self-reported emotional health, including anxiety and depression.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Eligible participants will be adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 who have been diagnosed with a major depressive disorder (mild or moderate) and/or an anxiety disorder. Participants may have co-occurring mild to moderate alcohol or drug use problems, provided these do not require immediate specialized treatment or crisis intervention. All participants must be receiving care at one of two participating MCHS outpatient psychiatry clinics and must reside in rural area (RUCA code 4-10). Participants must be able to read and understand English, and both parental or guardian consent and adolescent assent will be required.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Exclusion criteria include current suicidal ideation or self-harm behavior requiring immediate clinical intervention, as well as the presence of severe psychiatric comorbidities such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression with psychotic features, severe alcohol and drug use, or eating disorders. Participants with significant cognitive impairment that would interfere with study participation.

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 11/10/2025. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Eau Claire, Wis.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Pravesh Sharma, M.D.

Open for enrollment

Contact information:

Danielle Boos C.O.A.

(715) 464-8173

boos.danielle@mayo.edu

Albert Lea, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Nicholas Bormann, M.D.

Open for enrollment

Contact information:

Marin Nycklemoe

(507) 255-2814

Nycklemoe.Marin@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available