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NCT Number: NCT03858309

Influence of Yogic Breathwork on CSF Circulation

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.

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Key information

Conditions

CSF Circulation Hypoventilation Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Respiration Disorders Respiratory Aspiration Respiratory Insufficiency Respiratory Tract Diseases Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 18-65 years of age, able to provide their consent to be in the study, available and able to participate in study activities, who can lie in supine, able to walk 15 feet, who have no prior/current mind-body practice inducing breath awareness or training such as yoga, meditation, Ta-Chi, Qi-Gong.

Exclusion criteria

  • Inability to provide informed consent, MRI contraindications, need for muscle relaxants or anti-anxiety drugs in order to tolerate MRI, history of neurological disorders, head trauma with loss of consciousness, craniospinal disorders, spinal injury, sleep disorders, allergic or respiratory disorders, major or uncontrolled psychiatric illness or major depression, lung and heart problems, any condition requiring the use of medication that acts on the brain like stimulants, sedatives current substance abuse issues, pregnancy or nursing.

Treatment and study plan

Breathing Group 1

Behavioral

The 8-week breathwork intervention incorporates a set of breathing practices under the guidance of a certified yoga teacher.

Breathing Group 2

Behavioral

The 8-week breathwork intervention incorporates a set of slow breathing practices under the guidance of a certified yoga teacher.

Primary outcomes

  1. CSF Flow Velocities

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).

    We have collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow measurements during a set of breathing practices while subjects were inside the MRI scanner. MRI-based CSF flow was quantified at the level of Foramen Magnum. Data processing included the extraction of velocity waveforms of the CSF motion ( i.e, CSF velocity in cm/s) and subsequent analysis of CSF velocities across different breathing conditions. Positive CSF velocities indicate fluid motion in the cranial (upward) direction, whereas negative velocities represent fluid motion in the caudal (downward) direction.

    For the registry, descriptive statistics of CSF velocities (mean and standard deviation) are reported at pre- and post-intervention for participants completing both MRI visits with analyzable CSF data (Group 1 n=7, Group 2 n=7). No inferential statistical tests or change score analyses are included in the registry submission; all reported results are descriptive only.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).

    Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured participants seated at rest at pre- and post-intervention visits.

  2. Body Mass Index (BMI)

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).

    BMI was collected at pre- and post-intervention visits, and was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²).

  3. Daily Home Practice Frequency

    Time frame: 8 weeks (daily home practice over the course of 8-week intervention).

    Average breathing practice frequency were measured using a wearable respiration tracker to objectively evaluate home practice throughout the intervention: frequency (days/week). Preliminary analysis estimated mean frequency (days/week) across participants. Onsite class sessions were excluded.

  4. Daily Home Practice Duration

    Time frame: 8 weeks (daily home practice over the course of 8-week intervention).

    Average breathing practice duration were measured using a wearable respiration tracker to objectively evaluate home practice throughout the intervention: duration (in minute). Preliminary analysis estimated mean duration (minutes) across participants. Onsite class sessions were excluded.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Oregon Health and Science University

Other

Collaborators

  • National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
  • National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Registry information

Official study title

Quantifying the Influence of Yogic Breathwork on Cerebrospinal Fluid Circulation

Acronym: CSF

Important dates

Study start
2019
Primary completion
2019
Study completion
2020
First posted
Feb 28, 2019
Registry last updated
Oct 29, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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