NCT06788886 · Mayo Clinic
Breathing Practice for Brain and Mental Health in Cancer and Neurodegenerative Diseases
What this study is about
This clinical trial studies the effect of respiratory training for enhancing brain and mental health among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and cancer (along with their caregivers).
View original scientific description
This clinical trial studies the effect of respiratory training for enhancing brain and mental health among patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and cancer (along with their caregivers). The relationship between respiration, cardiovascular effects in the brain, mental health, and neurophysiological mechanisms are significant for patient populations facing complex health challenges, such as those with cancer and neurodegenerative disease, and their caregivers. By measuring oxygen delivery to brain tissues and cerebrospinal fluid flow, this trial may help researchers investigate the potential benefits of respiratory training for patients with MS and cancer and their caregivers.
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
- STUDY 1: Participants must be physically fit enough to perform light exercise.
- STUDY 1: Should read and understand English well enough to consent, complete measures, and follow instructions.
- STUDY 1: Must have access to a smartphone or tablet.
- STUDY 2: Participants must be physically fit enough to perform light exercise.
- STUDY 2: Cancer patients may have prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumor, or brain cancer in any stage.
- STUDY 2: The main focus is on pairs of cancer patients and their respective caregivers, but individual cancer patients or individual caregivers are also acceptable.
- STUDY 2: Participants should read and understand English well enough to consent, complete measures, and follow instructions.
- STUDY 2: They also must have access to a smartphone or tablet.
- STUDY 3: Participants must be physically fit enough to perform light exercise.
- STUDY 3: The patient should have multiple sclerosis.
- STUDY 3: Participants should read and understand English well enough to consent, complete measures, and follow instructions.
- STUDY 3: They also must have access to a smartphone or tablet.
Exclusion criteria
- STUDY 1: Participants incompatible with MRI machines due to factors such as pacemakers or metallic implants.
- STUDY 1: Additionally, those with chronic medical conditions, including heart disease (coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, cardiac arrhythmia), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, cancer, diabetes, sleep apnea, aneurysms, and neurological conditions (epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington' disease, essential tremor and Parkinson disease) are excluded.
- STUDY 1: Participants with psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, suicidality, bipolar disorder, major depression, and substance use disorders are excluded.
- STUDY 1: Participants serving as caregivers for any of the aforementioned conditions and for other illnesses such as cancer or neurological disorders, are also excluded.
- STUDY 1: Further exclusions apply to those with severe vision, hearing impairments, have a body mass index (BMI) over 30, and those who are pregnant.
- STUDY 1: Those planning to become pregnant during the study period will be excluded.
- STUDY 2: Participants incompatible with MRI machines due to factors such as pacemakers or metallic implants are excluded, as are those with chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease \[COPD\], cystic fibrosis), aneurysms, and those who are pregnant.
- STUDY 2: Those planning to become pregnant during the study period will be excluded.
- STUDY 3: Participants incompatible with MRI machines due to factors such as pacemakers or metallic implants are excluded, as are those with chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease \[COPD\], cystic fibrosis), aneurysms, and those who are pregnant.
- STUDY 3: Those planning to become pregnant during the study period will be excluded.
Where
- Rochester, Minnesota
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 Jun 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations