Breathing exercises to prevent lasting trauma stress disorder

Plain-English translation of NCT04701723 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

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This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether a simple breathing technique called cardiac coherence can help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from developing in people who have recently experienced a traumatic event. Cardiac coherence is a guided breathing exercise that you practice at home using a smartphone app. The hope is that doing this breathing exercise regularly in the first few weeks after a trauma may help your body and mind recover better and reduce the risk of developing long-term PTSD.

After a traumatic event, some people develop lasting PTSD that can severely impact their quality of life. Right now, there are limited options to prevent PTSD from developing in the first place. This trial is exploring whether teaching people to use a structured breathing technique early on might help their nervous system stay calm and prevent the condition from taking hold.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have experienced a traumatic event (as a victim or witness) within the past 3 to 15 days
you have been diagnosed with acute stress disorder using standard diagnostic criteria
you are seen at a medical-psychological emergency center
you can read and write in French
you are affiliated with a social security system
you are willing and able to participate in the study

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a lung or breathing condition that would make breathing exercises difficult or unsafe
you are currently practicing or have practiced a regular breathing control technique in the last 6 months
you are taking certain medications such as beta-blockers, heart rhythm medications, opioids, or antidepressants
you have a pacemaker or a serious heart condition
you are taking benzodiazepines and cannot safely stop them within one week

What participation looks like

At your first visit, a trained practitioner will teach you how to do the breathing exercise. You'll receive a smartphone app that guides your breathing and a diary to track your practice. For 3 months, you'll practice the breathing exercise at home three times a day (morning, late morning, and late afternoon) — each session takes 5 minutes and involves breathing in for 4.5 seconds and out for 5.5 seconds, repeating 6 times per minute. The study team will monitor your progress and compliance with the program throughout the 3-month period.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 2, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Reunion

Etablissement Public de Santé Mentale de La Réunion, Saint-Paul