Study of Breathwork, Hypnosis, and Audiobook Practices for Stress and Anxiety Relief with Brain Imaging

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the immediate and long-term effects of two breathwork practices, cyclic sighing and box breathing, compared to hypnosis and listening to an audiobook about stress. The study focuses on psychological and physiological responses related to stress and anxiety, aiming to understand how these practices influence brain activity and anxiety levels. This is an interventional study conducted by Stanford University. Participants are randomly assigned to one of four groups cyclic sighing breathing, box breathing, hypnosis, or audiobook listening. Each group practices their assigned method for 10 minutes daily over 28 days through remote video or audio links. Additionally, participants practice their assigned method during two MRI assessments, one before starting the 28 days and one after completing the practice period. During the study, participants undergo MRI scans to measure brain activation and complete anxiety assessments at baseline and follow-up up to four weeks after the 28-day practice. Daily measures include state anxiety, respiratory rate, and heart rate variability. Researchers monitor changes in these psychological and physiological markers to assess the effects of the interventions. Total participation spans roughly five to eight weeks, including baseline, practice, and follow-up periods.

Stress Management Program