Daily Polyvagal Breathing Exercises for Four Weeks to Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Physical Therapy Students

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether specific daily polyvagal breathing exercises can reduce stress and anxiety in healthy physical therapy students aged 18 to 45. The study compares students who practice these exercises with those who do not, aiming to see if stimulating the polyvagal system through breathing can improve stress levels. This randomized controlled trial is conducted under the supervision of experienced researchers to ensure participant safety. Participants are divided into two groups one group receives a home exercise program of polyvagal breathing exercises, including square breathing, modified Qigong breathing, and three-step breathing, to be practiced daily for at least five minutes over 30 days. The control group watches a video about stress management but does not perform any breathing exercises. Brain activity is recorded using a DSI-7 EEG headset at multiple time points during the 30-day period, including baseline and during timed quizzes designed to induce mild stress. Throughout the study, participants complete questionnaires and surveys via computer, and all instructions are provided digitally to ensure consistency. Data collections occur on days one, fifteen, and thirty, with multiple EEG recordings each day to measure stress and anxiety levels. Participants may withdraw at any time if they feel uncomfortable. The primary outcomes measured are stress and anxiety levels, supported by secondary assessments using standardized scales.

The Effects of Daily Polyvagal Exercises on Stress in Students of Physical Therapy