NCT03858309

Influence of Yogic Breathwork on CSF Circulation

Quantifying the Influence of Yogic Breathwork on Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 26 (actual)
• Sponsor: Oregon Health and Science University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

The purpose of this research study is to determine the influence of yoga breathing practices on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation, and to find out primarily if a regular practice of 8-week yoga breathing would enhance CSF circulation as well as if the intervention would improve participant's quality of life, quality of sleep, and reduce existing stress. Participants will be randomized into two arms for different breathing practices.

Detailed description

The purpose of this research protocol is to determine the influence of an 8-week breathing intervention on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation among healthy participants using a non-invasive real-time phase-contrast magnetic imaging (RT-PCMRI) technique. This aim will be examined by studying the changes in each participant's pre- and post-intervention CSF flow dynamics using the non-invasive RT-PCMRI technique during two MRI scans (one before and one after the 8-week intervention). The study protocol consists of 20 healthy participants (two groups; 10 in each group with different breathing practices) undergoing an 8-week intervention, and pre-and post-intervention outcome measures. The two 8-week interventions will be guided by two separate certified experienced yoga teachers. Both interventions will consist of 60-minute weekly group on-site sessions (1day/week) with a 20-minute daily home sessions (in between on-site sessions; 6 days/week) using home-aid practice materials. Participants' respiration data will be objectively tracked using a wearable respiration tracker device.

Conditions

• CSF Circulation

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Breathing Group 1	The 8-week breathwork intervention incorporates a set of breathing practices under the guidance of a certified yoga teacher.
BEHAVIORAL	Breathing Group 2	The 8-week breathwork intervention incorporates a set of slow breathing practices under the guidance of a certified yoga teacher.

Timeline

• Start date: 2019-07-10
• Primary completion: 2019-11-25
• Completion: 2020-07-30
• First posted: 2019-02-28
• Last updated: 2025-10-29
• Results posted: 2025-10-29

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States