Can breathing exercises help veterans heal from trauma and addiction?
NCT ID NCT07756723
First seen Aug 11, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) — a technique that uses guided breathing to improve the body's stress response — can help veterans with both PTSD and substance use disorder. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either HRVB or present-centered therapy, a talk therapy focusing on current life challenges. The study will measure changes in PTSD symptoms, substance use, and physiological markers like heart rate and skin conductance. The goal is to see if HRVB offers a unique benefit for this high-risk population.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Heart rate variability biofeedback (a technique that uses breathing to improve heart rhythm regulation) compared with present-centered therapy (a talk therapy focused on current life issues)
- What this could lead to
- If effective, this could offer veterans with PTSD and substance use disorder a new, drug-free way to reduce symptoms and improve heart health, potentially lowering their risk of early death.
- What could go wrong
- This is a relatively small trial (50 participants) and early-stage, so results may not apply broadly. The biofeedback may not outperform the control therapy, and individual responses can vary.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Coatesville VA Medical Center
RECRUITINGCoatesville, Pennsylvania, 19320, United States
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