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.
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.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
26
The 8-week breathwork intervention incorporates a set of breathing practices under the guidance of a certified yoga teacher.
The 8-week breathwork intervention incorporates a set of slow breathing practices under the guidance of a certified yoga teacher.
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon, United States
CSF Flow Velocities
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.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).
Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure
Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were measured participants seated at rest at pre- and post-intervention visits.
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).
Body Mass Index (BMI)
BMI was collected at pre- and post-intervention visits, and was calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²).
Time frame: Baseline (pre-intervention) and post-intervention (after 8 weeks).
Daily Home Practice Frequency
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.
Time frame: 8 weeks (daily home practice over the course of 8-week intervention).
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Daily Home Practice Duration
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.
Time frame: 8 weeks (daily home practice over the course of 8-week intervention).