Yogic Breathing Exercise and Meditation for People With Spinal Cord Disorders

General Information You are being asked to take part in a research study. This research study is voluntary, meaning you do not have to take part in it. The procedures, risks, and benefits are fully described further in the consent form.

Purpose The purpose of the study is to understand how well yogic breathing exercise and meditation improves breathing, fatigue, and emotional well-being in people with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Duration & Visits You will complete several questionnaires (3 different times) that will take 30 minutes to complete each time, participate in 12-30-minute yogic breathing exercise and meditation sessions (over 8 weeks), complete a 25-minute interview and that you will be in the study for 2 months.

Overview of Procedures This study will include completing several questionnaires multiple times, 8 weeks of participating in 2 sessions per week of yogic breathing exercise and meditation via Zoom and being interviewed once.

Risks The most common risks include some tiredness and frustration while learning the yogic breathing exercise and meditation techniques. Loss of confidentiality is also a risk.

Inclusion criteria

• spinal cord disorders
• community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 18 years
• able to follow simple, three-step verbal instructions (e.g., close your eyes, open your mouth, close your mouth)
• access to the internet and an electronic device with videoconferencing capability
• able to set up virtual sessions with/without caregiver assistance
• sufficient English language proficiency to provide consent for study participation and complete self-report questionnaires

Exclusion criteria

• suicidal intent requiring emergency care
• bedridden with continuous use of noninvasive ventilation
• participating in weekly pulmonary PT, psychological therapy, or a clinical trial that could affect proposed study outcomes.