Impact of a Paced Breathing Exercise Intervention on Autonomic Nervous System Function and Symptom Severity in Youth Post-concussion: a Pilot Feasibility Study

Status: Recruiting
Location: See location...
Intervention Type: Behavioral
Study Type: Interventional
Study Phase: Not Applicable
SUMMARY

The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to assess the feasibility of administering a paced breathing exercise intervention program to children and adolescents in the sub-acute period after concussion, and to document the autonomic function, and symptom severity (post-concussion symptoms, anxiety, sleep) before and after administration of the intervention. Participants will: will be instructed to perform a daily 10-minutes daily paced breathing home-exercise program and to document the daily exercises performed within a performance log, or receive usual care from a concussion follow-up program. A weekly phone meeting will be performed with the participants, to review exercise, providing, specific instructions, and making any necessary adjustments. All participants (intervention and control group) will undergo a second assessment after four weeks following completion of the intervention program. During the second assessment information regarding the intervention feasibility, time to return to school, return to sport, and clear from medication will be collected as well.

Eligibility
Participation Requirements
Sex: All
Minimum Age: 9
Maximum Age: 18
Healthy Volunteers: f
View:

• aged 9-18 years

• seven days-3 months post-concussion,

• at least one post-concussion symptom in the Post-concussion Symptom Inventory (PSCI) that is relevant to ANS dysfunction (e.g. dizziness, nausea, fatigue, confusion, anxiety or sleep disturbances).

Locations
Other Locations
Canada
McGill University Health Center
RECRUITING
Montreal
Contact Information
Primary
Isabelle Gagnon, PhD
isabelle.gagnon8@mcgill.ca
514-412-4400
Time Frame
Start Date: 2024-06-01
Estimated Completion Date: 2024-12-15
Participants
Target number of participants: 20
Treatments
Experimental: Breathing exercises
In addition to the standard rehabilitation care in the concussion clinic, the intervention group will have a daily 10-minutes paced breathing home-exercise program. The paced breathing exercise including inhale for 4-second and exhale for 6-seconds, for a total of 6 breaths per minute.
No_intervention: Usual care
Treatment for a concussion involves relative physical and cognitive rest for 24-48 hs, then a focus on gradually returning to normal activities and school as symptoms improve. Follow-up with healthcare professionals in the concussion clinic to ensure a safe and effective recovery and full return to school and sport. The concussion clinic follow-up includes meeting with a coordinator and physical therapist, and with a psychologist or MD if necessary
Related Therapeutic Areas
Sponsors
Leads: McGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre

This content was sourced from clinicaltrials.gov