RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06977984

Group Integrative Breathwork for Chronic Pain

Group Breathwork Intervention for Chronic Pain

Sponsor

University of Florida

Enrollment

60 participants

Start Date

Jun 18, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Chronic Pain

Summary

The aim of the proposed research is to iteratively develop, pilot test, and refine an integrative breathwork intervention that is suitable for group delivery to individuals with chronic pain. The intervention will be evaluated for feasibility, acceptability, and plausibility for clinically significant effects in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 YearsMax Age: 70 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

Men and women 18-70 years of age.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain lasting for at least 3 months as a symptom of axial pain (e.g., back, neck) or limb pain (e.g., shoulder, knee, hip, wrist).
Average pain intensity of ≥ 4/10 for the past month.
Access to internet with a valid email address
Able to lay down and stay relatively still for one hour.

Exclusion Criteria16

Any suspicion of a medical (orthopedic, rheumatic or neurological) disease, that can fully explain the current level of severity of pain.
Chronic pain possibly due to specific conditions (e.g., cancer, infection).
Ongoing legal action or disability claim related to chronic pain.
Neurological disease (e.g. Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, history of seizures) or moderate or severe symptoms from a previous brain injury, including stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Respiratory disorder (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or moderate to severe asthma within the past 12 months.
Activity limiting heart disease including cardiovascular or peripheral arterial disease.
Uncontrolled hypertension (i.e. SBP/DBP of > 160/95) or orthostatic hypotension (e.g., issues with fainting).
Serious acute physical injuries or major surgery within the past 6 months.
Serious psychiatric disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, panic disorder) or mental health issues requiring hospitalization within the past 12 months or currently on antipsychotic medications.
History of hospitalization or treatment of substance use disorder within the past 12 months.
Currently undergoing curative or palliative chemotherapy or radiation.
Pregnant.
Glaucoma or detached retina.
Current participation or participation in the past 2 months of an interventional research study.
Cognitive impairment or factors that would preclude comprehension of material and/or full participation in the study.
Any significant comorbidities or other reasons that, in the opinion of the investigators, could interfere with the study or lead to deleterious effects for the participant.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALIntegrative Breathwork Intervention

The breathwork intervention involves a sustained conscious connected breathing pattern where there is no pause between inhale and exhale. During the breathing, a participant is guided to pay attention to the strongest sensation from moment-to-moment (e.g., mindfulness of somatic sensations) and relax unnecessary effort or tension. Participants lay supine throughout the 60 minute session. The session ends with spontaneous, relaxed breathing and an opportunity to briefly share one's experience.