Can a simple relaxation exercise calm your Heart's stress response?
NCT ID NCT07713407
First seen Jul 20, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether a modified version of the Mitchell relaxation method can quickly improve heart rate variability—a marker of how well the heart handles stress—in people with high anxiety. About 122 adults aged 18 to 65 with elevated anxiety scores will be randomly assigned to either the modified or standard relaxation exercise. Both groups listen to a 35-minute audio recording, and researchers measure heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing before, during, and after the session.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a modified relaxation exercise based on muscle energy technique and deep breathing
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to reduce stress and improve heart health in anxious individuals.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial measuring short-term effects only. The results may not translate to lasting benefits or apply to everyone with anxiety.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 122 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Jul 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Jul 2028
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Being 18-65 years old. * Having stress and anxiety Exclusion Criteria: * Taking cardioactive/psychotropic drugs. * Having a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
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