Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Slow Breathing and Resistance Exercise in Fibromyalgia
Sponsor: University of Malaga
Summary
This randomized controlled trial investigates whether slow breathing techniques influence heart rate variability, exercise self-efficacy, and resistance exercise performance in women with fibromyalgia. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three breathing conditions (slow breathing with visual pacer, slow breathing without pacer, or spontaneous breathing) before performing a biceps curl resistance exercise. The study will examine how breathing patterns interact with psychological variables (anxiety sensitivity, pain catastrophizing, pain hypervigilance, and kinesiophobia) to affect physiological and performance outcomes.
Official title: Impact of Slow Breathing and Its Interaction With Psychological Variables From the Fear-Avoidance Model of Pain on Heart Rate Variability and Resistance Exercise Performance in Women With Fibromyalgia.
Key Details
Gender
FEMALE
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
159
Start Date
2026-02
Completion Date
2027-05
Last Updated
2026-02-11
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Slow Breathing with Visual Pacer
Participants receive brief training using a visual pacer displayed on computer screen showing a line that rises during inhalation and falls during exhalation. The pacing is set to 6 respiratory cycles per minute (4 seconds inhalation, 6 seconds exhalation). Participants place one hand below chest and abdomen to monitor diaphragmatic movement. After training, participants continue slow breathing with the visual pacer continuously displayed, maintaining the prescribed respiratory rate.
Slow Breathing without Visual Pacer
Participants receive identical brief training using the visual pacer to learn the slow breathing pattern (6 cycles per minute: 4 seconds inhalation, 6 seconds exhalation). Hand placement below chest and abdomen to monitor diaphragmatic movement. After training, the visual pacer is removed and participants attempt to maintain the slow breathing pattern independently without external guidance.
Spontaneous Breathing (Active Control)
Participants spend equivalent time breathing at their natural, spontaneous rate. They receive similar attention from evaluators but no specific breathing instructions. Participants are instructed to breathe normally at their usual pace and rhythm.
Locations (2)
Asociación de Fibromialgia y Síndrome de Fatiga Crónica de Málaga (AFIBROMA)
Málaga, Málaga, Spain
Asociación de Pacientes de Fibromialgia y Síndrome de Fatiga Crónica de Málaga (APAFIMA)
Málaga, Málaga, Spain