Breathing your way to recovery: new study tests meditation for ICU stress

NCT ID NCT06867367

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study explores whether easy-to-learn breathing exercises and guided meditations can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in elderly ICU survivors and their caregivers. Fourteen pairs (survivor and caregiver) will practice Isha Kriya meditation and Nadi Shuddhi breathing for about seven weeks, using a mobile app or group sessions. Researchers will track how often they practice, measure changes in mood and stress through surveys, and record brain activity with a safe, non-invasive EEG cap.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Isha Kriya meditation and Nadi Shuddhi breathing technique

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to support mental health and recovery for ICU survivors and their families.

What could go wrong

This is a very small pilot study with only 14 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It is designed to test feasibility, not effectiveness, so it may not show clear benefits.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Psychological Well-Being

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••