Stress-Busting showdown: biofeedback vs meditation in students – trial pulled
NCT ID NCT06457932
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial aimed to see if heart rate variability biofeedback training (using a smartphone app) could reduce stress and anxiety in university students as well as or better than guided meditation. The study planned to enroll second- and third-year physiotherapy students and measure stress levels with standard questionnaires. However, the trial was withdrawn before any participants were enrolled, so no data were collected.
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 training and guided meditation
- What this could lead to
- If it had worked, this could point toward simple, low-cost ways for students to manage stress and anxiety without medication.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was withdrawn before enrolling any participants, so no results are available. Even if conducted, the small, specific student group may not represent broader populations.
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
-
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.
- Expected to start
-
Nov 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2027
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 60 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: 1. Second- and third-year students of the Physiotherapy Degree at various universities in the province of Seville. 2. Enrolled in all courses for the academic year. 3. Enrolled in the courses for the first or second time. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Having a job in addition to academic responsibilities. 2. Having a dependent family member under their care. 3. Diagnosed with any mental health issues. 4. Diagnosed with severe metabolic, cardiovascular, or respiratory conditions, or cancer. 5. Simultaneously pursuing another degree or a dual degree program.
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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.
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