NCT06410157 · University of Southern California
Cardiac-Control Affecting Learning Through Mindfulness (CALM)
What this study is about
Some types of meditation lead heart rate to become more steady as breathing quiets whereas others lead to large heart rate swings up and down (oscillations) as breathing becomes deeper and slower.
View original scientific description
Some types of meditation lead heart rate to become more steady as breathing quiets whereas others lead to large heart rate swings up and down (oscillations) as breathing becomes deeper and slower. The current study is designed to investigate how daily mindfulness practice with heart rate biofeedback during breathing in a pattern that either increases or decreases heart rate oscillation affect attention and memory and blood biomarkers associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Fluent in English
- Black/African-American or White/European-American
- Aged between 50-70 years old
- Non-pregnant and non-menstruating (for at least the past year)
- Have normal or corrected-to-normal vision and hearing
- Have reliable access to wifi
- Have an email account that you check regularly
- Have a phone that receives text messages
- Agree to provide blood and urine samples at two campus visits
- Agree to devote up to 50 minutes daily to this study for 10 weeks as well as attend two campus visits
Exclusion criteria
- Have a disorder that would impede performing the breathing intervention (e.g., abnormal cardiac rhythm, arrhythmia, dyspnea)
- Have cognitive impairment
- Have regularly played Lumosity games in the past 6 months
- Have any conditions listed below that are not safe for MRI
- \*Metal in any parts of your body
- Claustrophobia
- Have worked as a machinist, metal worker, or in any profession or hobby grinding metal?
- Have had an injury to the eye involving a metallic object (e.g., metallic slivers, shavings, or foreign body)
- Cardiac pacemaker
- Implanted cardiac defibrillator
- Aneurysm clip or brain clip
- Carotid artery vascular clamp
- Neurostimulator
- Insulin or infusion pump
- Spinal fusion stimulator
- Cochlear, otologic, ear tubes or ear implant
- Prosthesis (eye/orbital, penile, etc.)
- Implant held in place by a magnet
- Heart valve prosthesis
- Artificial limb or joint
- Other implants in body or head
- Electrodes (on body, head or brain)
- Intravascular stents, filters
- Shunt (spinal or intraventricular)
- Vascular access port or catheters
- Transdermal delivery system or other types of foil patches (e.g., Nitro, Nicotine, Birth control, etc.) that cannot be removed for MRI
- Shrapnel, buckshot, or bullets
- Tattooed eyeliner or eyebrows
- Body piercing(s) that cannot be removed for MRI
- Metal fragments (eye, head, ear, skin)
- Internal pacing wires
- Aortic clips
- Metal or wire mesh implants
- Wire sutures or surgical staples
- Harrington rods (spine)
- Bone/joint pin, screw, nail, wire, plate
- Wig or toupee that cannot be removed for MRI
- Hair implants that involve staples or metal
- Hearing aid(s) that cannot be removed for MRI
- Dentures or retainers that cannot be removed for MRI
Where
- Los Angeles, California
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations