Breath Control and Mindfulness for Post Concussion Anxiety and Depression: a Feasibility Study
Post-Concussion Syndrome, Anxiety Disorders and Symptoms, Depressive Symptoms
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Post-Concussion Syndrome focused on measuring Breath control, Mindfulness
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages ≥18 to ≤65 years of age
- Males and females
- Ability to comprehend English (written and spoken)
- Physician-diagnosed concussion ≥ 4weeks prior to commencing study
- Experiencing post-concussion symptoms (>0 on the RPQ)
- Experiencing symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (Score ≥ 5 on the GAD-7 or ≥ 5 on the PHQ-9)
- Access to an internet accessible device (e.g., computer, smart phone or tablet)
- Access to a smart device (iOS or Android) (required for use of "Awesome Breathing" application)
Exclusion Criteria:
- <18 or >65 years of age
- Score < 5 on the GAD-7 or < 5 on the PHQ-9
- Score 0 on RPQ
- Inability to comprehend English (written and/or spoken)
- History of cardiovascular or cardiorespiratory condition
- History of non-traumatic acquired brain injury
- History of neurological or neurodevelopment disorder
- History of unmanaged or managed psychiatric diagnosis (i.e., mental health issue, including bipolar, schizophrenia, etc.)
- No history substance abuse (drug or alcohol)
- Current pregnancy
- Currently attending other yogic or meditation/mindfulness therapy sessions
Sites / Locations
- University of Western Ontario
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Experimental
Experimental
Sham Comparator
Breath Control
Guided Mindfulness
Control
Participants in the breath control study arm will be given a breathing exercise that is to be completed in a comfortable upright seated posture. This intervention exercise will be completed daily for a period of 8 weeks.
Participants in the guided mindfulness study arm will be lead through a seated mindfulness exercise. This intervention exercise will be completed daily for a period of 8 weeks.
Participants in the control group will receive a sham intervention. The sham intervention will involve minimal instructed meditation exercise. This intervention exercise will be completed daily for a period of 8 weeks.