Test AnxietyNCT06949202
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises on Stress and Exam Anxiety in High School Seniors: A Randomized Study
A study testing breating exercises in people with Test Anxiety and Diaphragmatic Breathing, run by Igdir University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
Trial summary
This study aims to evaluate the effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on stress and exam anxiety in final-year high school students during the exam period. The intervention, named "I Breathe, I Relieve," will include a series of controlled breathing exercises designed to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 16 to 19 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Test Anxiety, Diaphragmatic Breathing, Stress Measurement, Psychological
- What is being tested?
- breating exercises
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 72 participants
- Where
- 1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
- Study dates
- 1 May 2025to 20 Jun 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 16 to 19 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Participant and their parent/legal guardian must provide informed consent.
- Must be a final-year high school student preparing for the national university entrance exam.
- Must be in good general health.No chronic illnesses that pose a risk for participation.
- Aged between 16 and 19 years.
Who cannot join
- Participant and/or their parent/legal guardian do not provide informed consent.
- Failure to fully complete data collection tools (questionnaires, forms, etc.).
- Inability to actively participate in the exercise sessions.
- Presence of chronic health conditions that contraindicate participation in respiratory exercises.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises on Stress and Exam Anxiety in Final-Year High School Students During the Exam Period: "I Breathe, I Relieve"
This study aims to evaluate the effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on stress and exam anxiety in final-year high school students during the exam period. The intervention, named "I Breathe, I Relieve," will include a series of controlled breathing exercises designed to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. Participants will be asked to practice diaphragmatic breathing techniques daily for a specific period leading up to their exams. The study will measure changes in stress levels and anxiety through standardized scales and questionnaires, comparing results before and after the intervention. The study will contribute to understanding the impact of breathing exercises on mental health in young individuals facing academic pressures.
Read the detailed description
This study will be conducted in the city of Iğdır, Türkiye, and will involve final-year high school students currently enrolled in educational institutions in the region. Necessary permissions will be obtained from the Iğdır Provincial Directorate of National Education prior to the study.
The project is supported by TÜBİTAK 2209-A - University Students Research Projects Support Program.
Parental meetings will be organized, during which detailed information about the study will be provided to the families. The study will begin six weeks prior to the national university entrance examination.
After obtaining informed consent from both students and their families, demographic data including age, height, weight, and socio-cultural background will be recorded.
Oxygen saturation levels will be measured using a pulse oximeter.
To assess exam anxiety levels, the Tex Anxiety Inventory (TAI) will be used. This scale, developed by Spielberger and adapted into Turkish, consists of 20 items and two subscales: Worry (8 items) and Emotionality (12 items). Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from "almost never" to "always". The inventory evaluates the level of anxiety and its components experienced by individuals (References 8, 9).
To measure perceived stress levels, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) will be administered. The PSS assesses the degree to which individuals perceive situations in their lives as stressful. It consists of 14 items scored on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (very often), with total scores ranging from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicate higher perceived stress levels (Reference 10).
Following initial evaluations, participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive training in diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation techniques, and respiratory exercises, including respiratory muscle training using a spirometer (References 4, 11).
These training sessions will be conducted once a week for 4 consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. Oxygen saturation will be measured with a pulse oximeter before and after each session.
At the end of the 4-week intervention period, both the Test Anxiety Inventory and Perceived Stress Scale will be re-administered to assess changes in stress and anxiety levels. Statistical analyses will be conducted accordingly.
This is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Students in the control group will undergo assessments but will not receive any training during the study period. However, to prevent ethical concerns, the same respiratory training will be offered to the control group participants after the completion of the study.
- Being tested
- breating exercises
- Medical subject headings
- Stress, Psychological
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
breating exercisesOther
diaphragmatic breathing
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing Exercises | Experimental | diaphragmatic breating breath control exercises Receives: Other: breating exercises |
| Control Group | No intervention | Participants in this group will not receive any training during the intervention period. They will only undergo evaluations at baseline and 4 weeks later. To ensure ethical standards, respiratory training will be offered to this group after the study is completed. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Exam Anxiety Level
Change in scores on the Exam Anxiety Inventory from baseline to 4 weeks after intervention.
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks after intervention
Change in Perceived Stress Level
Change in scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (14-item version) from baseline to 4 weeks after intervention.
Measured: Baseline and 4 weeks after intervention
Secondary outcomes (1)
Change in Oxygen Saturation
Measured before and after each respiratory training session using pulse oximeter.
Measured: During each training session (weekly, over 4 weeks)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted29 Apr 2025
- Study start1 May 2025
- Primary completion20 Jun 2025
- Study completion20 Jun 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Test AnxietyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Igdir University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Sema Bugusan Oruc, Igdir University
- Investigators
- sema büğüşan oruç, Study director, Iğdır Uni
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06949202
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- I1.25
- Status last verified
- Jun 2025
- First submitted
- 22 Apr 2025
- Last updated
- 25 Jun 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Rosenberg A, Hamiel D. Reducing Test Anxiety and Related Symptoms Using a Biofeedback Respiratory Practice Device: A Randomized Control Trial. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2021 Mar;46(1):69-82. doi: 10.1007/s10484-020-09494-9. Epub 2021 Jan 2.
PubMed 33389280
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 25 Jun 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises on Stress and Exam Anxiety in Final-Year High School Students During the Exam Period: "I Breathe, I Relieve"
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06949202
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- I1.25
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 72 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Igdir UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
- Study start
- 1 May 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 20 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 20 Jun 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 29 Apr 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study aims to evaluate the effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercises on stress and exam anxiety in final-year high school students during the exam period. The intervention, named "I Breathe, I Relieve," will include a series of controlled breathing exercises designed to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms. Participants will be asked to practice diaphragmatic breathing techniques daily for a specific period leading up to their exams. The study will measure changes in stress levels and anxiety through standardized scales and questionnaires, comparing results before and after the intervention. The study will contribute to understanding the impact of breathing exercises on mental health in young individuals facing academic pressures.
Detailed description
This study will be conducted in the city of Iğdır, Türkiye, and will involve final-year high school students currently enrolled in educational institutions in the region. Necessary permissions will be obtained from the Iğdır Provincial Directorate of National Education prior to the study.
The project is supported by TÜBİTAK 2209-A - University Students Research Projects Support Program.
Parental meetings will be organized, during which detailed information about the study will be provided to the families. The study will begin six weeks prior to the national university entrance examination.
After obtaining informed consent from both students and their families, demographic data including age, height, weight, and socio-cultural background will be recorded.
Oxygen saturation levels will be measured using a pulse oximeter.
To assess exam anxiety levels, the Tex Anxiety Inventory (TAI) will be used. This scale, developed by Spielberger and adapted into Turkish, consists of 20 items and two subscales: Worry (8 items) and Emotionality (12 items). Each item is rated on a 4-point Likert scale ranging from "almost never" to "always". The inventory evaluates the level of anxiety and its components experienced by individuals (References 8, 9).
To measure perceived stress levels, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) will be administered. The PSS assesses the degree to which individuals perceive situations in their lives as stressful. It consists of 14 items scored on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (very often), with total scores ranging from 0 to 56. Higher scores indicate higher perceived stress levels (Reference 10).
Following initial evaluations, participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group will receive training in diaphragmatic breathing, relaxation techniques, and respiratory exercises, including respiratory muscle training using a spirometer (References 4, 11).
These training sessions will be conducted once a week for 4 consecutive weeks, with each session lasting approximately 20 minutes. Oxygen saturation will be measured with a pulse oximeter before and after each session.
At the end of the 4-week intervention period, both the Test Anxiety Inventory and Perceived Stress Scale will be re-administered to assess changes in stress and anxiety levels. Statistical analyses will be conducted accordingly.
This is a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Students in the control group will undergo assessments but will not receive any training during the study period. However, to prevent ethical concerns, the same respiratory training will be offered to the control group participants after the completion of the study.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Breathing Exercises | Experimental | Other: breating exercisesdiaphragmatic breating breath control exercises |
| Control Group | No intervention | –Participants in this group will not receive any training during the intervention period. They will only undergo evaluations at baseline and 4 weeks later. To ensure ethical standards, respiratory training will be offered to this group after the study is completed. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 16 to 19 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Participant and their parent/legal guardian must provide informed consent.
- Must be a final-year high school student preparing for the national university entrance exam.
- Must be in good general health.No chronic illnesses that pose a risk for participation.
- Aged between 16 and 19 years.
Key exclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Participant and/or their parent/legal guardian do not provide informed consent.
- Failure to fully complete data collection tools (questionnaires, forms, etc.).
- Inability to actively participate in the exercise sessions.
- Presence of chronic health conditions that contraindicate participation in respiratory exercises.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| breating exercisesdiaphragmatic breathing | Other | Breathing Exercises |
Primary outcome
Change in Exam Anxiety Level
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks after intervention
Change in scores on the Exam Anxiety Inventory from baseline to 4 weeks after intervention.
Change in Perceived Stress Level
Time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks after intervention
Change in scores on the Perceived Stress Scale (14-item version) from baseline to 4 weeks after intervention.
1 secondary outcome
Change in Oxygen Saturation
Time frame: During each training session (weekly, over 4 weeks)
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 25 Jun 2025.
- Results publication: PubMed 33389280Rosenberg A, Hamiel D. Reducing Test Anxiety and Related Symptoms Using a Biofeedback Respiratory Practice Device: A Randomized Control Trial. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback. 2021 Mar;46(1):69-82. doi: 10.1007/s10484-020-09494-9. Epub 2021 Jan 2.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
sema büğüşan oruç study director
Iğdır Uni
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing breating exercises in people with Test Anxiety and Diaphragmatic Breathing, run by Igdir University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 4 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 25 Jun 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Exam Anxiety Level (time frame: Baseline and 4 weeks after intervention). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06949202, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 25 Jun 2025.