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HypotensionBREATHE-CSNCT07494955

"Effect of Pre-Spinal Mindfulness-Based Breathing Exercise on Hemodynamic Response in Elective Cesarean Section"

A study testing Mindfulness-Based Breathing Exercise in people with Hypotension and Cesarean Section, run by Aysenur Dostbil at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension is one of the most frequent and clinically significant complications of obstetric anesthesia, occurring in up to 50-80% of parturients undergoing elective cesarean section. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 45 years, women only
What is being tested?
Mindfulness-Based Breathing Exercise
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
150 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
1 Mar 2026to 1 Mar 2028
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

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 18 to 45 years
  • Women only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Pregnant women aged 18-45 years Singleton pregnancy Gestational age 37 weeks or greater American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification II Scheduled for elective cesarean section under spinal anesthesia Body mass index (BMI) 35 kg/m2 or less Ability to comprehend verbal instructions and perform the breathing exercise Provision of written informed consent

Who cannot join

  • Emergency cesarean section Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, eclampsia, HELLP syndrome) Placenta previa, placental abruption, or active antepartum hemorrhage Multiple pregnancy Contraindications to spinal anesthesia Failed spinal anesthesia requiring conversion to general anesthesia Chronic hypertension or chronic hypotension Known cardiac disease (arrhythmia, valvular disease, cardiomyopathy) Diabetes mellitus with autonomic neuropathy Thyroid dysfunction Chronic pulmonary disease potentially affecting respiratory pattern Body mass index greater than 35 kg/m2 Regular use of beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, alpha-agonists, or alpha-antagonists Regular use of anxiolytics, antidepressants, sedatives, or chronic opioids Diagnosed anxiety disorder, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, or other psychiatric illness Regular use of psychiatric medications Cognitive impairment or communication difficulties Attention or compliance problems precluding adequate performance of the breathing exercise Prior regular practice of meditation, yoga, or mindfulness-based training

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

esra dilara ayber, MD contact

+905077794216

esraayber@hotmail.com

aysenur dostbil, PROF. DR. contact

+905333676696

adostbil@hotmail.com

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site, 1 recruiting
  • Atatürk University Research Hospital

    Erzurum, 25240

    ESRA DILARA AYBER, MD, +905077794216, esraayber@hotmail.com

    aysenur dostbil, MD

    Recruiting

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: "The Effect of a 5-Minute Mindfulness-Based Breathing Exercise Administered Prior to Spinal Anesthesia on Hemodynamic Response in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial"

Spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension is one of the most frequent and clinically significant complications of obstetric anesthesia, occurring in up to 50-80% of parturients undergoing elective cesarean section. Preoperative anxiety has been shown to potentiate hemodynamic instability through autonomic nervous system activation, thereby increasing susceptibility to spinal hypotension.

This prospective, randomized, controlled trial aims to evaluate the effect of a standardized 5-minute mindfulness-based breathing exercise administered immediately prior to spinal anesthesia on the hemodynamic response in pregnant women scheduled for elective cesarean section. Eligible participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two parallel groups: the Mindfulness-Based Breathing Exercise Group and the Control Group receiving standard preoperative care.

Read more

The breathing intervention consists of slow diaphragmatic breathing at a rate of approximately 6 breaths per minute (4-second inhalation through the nose, 6-second exhalation through the mouth), guided by a standardized script delivered by a trained anesthesiologist or nurse. Participants in the intervention group will be instructed to silently repeat the phrase "My body is relaxing as I exhale" with each exhalation, incorporating a mindfulness component.

The primary outcome is the maximum decrease in systolic arterial pressure (SAP) within the first 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction. Secondary outcomes include preoperative state anxiety scores (STAI-5), early spinal hypotension incidence, heart rate changes, and vasopressor requirements.

The study will be conducted at Atatürk University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Reanimation, Erzurum, Turkey, in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice guidelines.

Read the detailed description

Background and Rationale Spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension is the most common hemodynamic complication in obstetric anesthesia, with reported incidence rates ranging from 50% to 80% in parturients undergoing elective cesarean section. The underlying pathophysiology involves sympathetic blockade-mediated arteriolar and venous vasodilation, resulting in decreased systemic vascular resistance and reduced venous return, further compounded by aortocaval compression exerted by the gravid uterus.

Current prophylactic strategies including left uterine displacement, fluid co-loading, and vasopressor infusion remain the standard of care. However, these pharmacological approaches may be associated with tachycardia, hypertension, and inter-individual response variability, underscoring the need for complementary non-pharmacological interventions.

Preoperative anxiety exerts measurable effects on autonomic nervous system balance, potentially amplifying sympathetic tone and increasing hemodynamic instability following neuraxial blockade. Slow, controlled breathing exercises have been shown to enhance baroreflex sensitivity and augment parasympathetic vagal activity, suggesting that a brief mindfulness-based breathing intervention may attenuate sympathetic hyperactivity through an "autonomic preconditioning" mechanism.

Randomization and Allocation Concealment Participants will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio using a computer-generated random number sequence. Allocation concealment will be ensured through sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes (SNOSE), opened only after the patient has been transferred to the operating room and immediately before spinal anesthesia induction.

Intervention Protocol Participants in the intervention arm will receive a 5-minute guided mindfulness-based breathing exercise prior to spinal anesthesia, consisting of slow diaphragmatic breathing at approximately 6 breaths per minute (4-second nasal inhalation, 6-second oral exhalation). During each exhalation, participants silently repeat: "My body is relaxing as I exhale."

Anesthesia Management All participants will receive spinal anesthesia in the sitting position with intrathecal administration of 11.2 mg hyperbaric bupivacaine + 15 mcg fentanyl + 150 mcg morphine. Hypotension will be defined as a decrease in systolic arterial pressure (SAP) exceeding 20% from baseline and treated with norepinephrine or ephedrine. Bradycardia will be defined as heart rate ≤50 bpm and treated with intravenous atropine (1 mg).

Statistical Analysis All analyses will be performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) version 20. Normality will be assessed using Shapiro-Wilk and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests. Between-group comparisons will be performed using independent samples t-test or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. Categorical variables will be compared using chi-square test. Statistical significance will be set at p<0.05.

Sample Size Sample size was calculated using G*Power 3.1.9.7 software. A clinically meaningful difference of 4.5 mmHg in maximum SAP decrease (effect size = 0.48) was determined to require 70 participants per group at 80% power and 95% confidence level. Accounting for potential dropout, 150 participants (75 per group) will be enrolled.

Being tested
Mindfulness-Based Breathing Exercise
Keywords
Spinal anesthesia, Hypotension, Cesarean section, Mindfulness, Breathing exercise, Hemodynamic response, Preoperative anxiety, Autonomic nervous system, Obstetric anesthesia, Vasopressor, Systolic blood pressure, Heart rate variability, Non-pharmacological intervention, Randomized controlled trial, Baroreflex sensitivity
Medical subject headings
Hypotension, Anxiety Disorders

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Mindfulness-Based Breathing ExerciseBehavioural

    Also called Slow Breathing Exercise, Controlled Deep Breathing, Mindfulness-Based Relaxation Technique

    "A standardized 5-minute mindfulness-based breathing exercise at approximately 6 breaths per minute (4-second nasal inhalation, 6-second oral exhalation), guided by a trained anesthesiologist or nurse using a standardized verbal script. During each exhalation, participants silently repeat: 'My body is relaxing as I exhale.'"

Study groups in NCT07494955
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Arm 1 Title: Mindfulness-Based Breathing Exercise GroupExperimentalParticipants allocated to this arm will receive a standardized 5-minute mindfulness-based breathing exercise immediately prior to spinal anesthesia induction. The intervention will be administered by a trained anesthesiologist or nurse using a standardized script. The breathing protocol consists of slow diaphragmatic breathing at approximately 6 breaths per minute, with a 4-second nasal inhalation followed by a 6-second oral exhalation. During each exhalation, participants will be instructed to silently repeat the phrase "My body is relaxing as I exhale," incorporating a mindfulness-based cognitive component. The exercise will be performed in a comfortable position in the operating room following establishment of standard monitoring (ECG, non-invasive blood pressure, SpO₂).
Receives: Behavioral: Mindfulness-Based Breathing Exercise
Arm 2 Title: Control GroupNo interventionParticipants allocated to this arm will receive standard preoperative care without any breathing exercise, relaxation technique, or mindfulness-based intervention. Following establishment of standard monitoring (ECG, non-invasive blood pressure, SpO₂) in the operating room, participants will wait for the equivalent duration before spinal anesthesia induction, consistent with routine clinical practice at the study center.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Maximum Decrease in Systolic Arterial Pressure (ΔSAP_max) Following Spinal Anesthesia

    he primary outcome is the maximum decrease in systolic arterial pressure (SAP) within the first 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction, calculated as the difference between the SAP value measured immediately prior to spinal anesthesia (T1, reference value) and the lowest SAP value recorded during the first 10 minutes post-spinal (SAP_min). Formula: ΔSAP_max = SAP_T1 - SAP_min (mmHg). SAP will be measured non-invasively at 1-minute intervals during the first 10 minutes following spinal induction.

    Measured: Up to 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction"

Secondary outcomes (7)
  1. Change in Preoperative State Anxiety Score (ΔSTAI-S5)

    Change in state anxiety level assessed using the validated Turkish short form of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S5), a 5-item scale scored on a 4-point Likert scale (total score range: 5-20; higher scores indicate greater anxiety). The change score will be calculated as the difference between STAI-S5 scores measured immediately before (T0) and immediately after (T1) the 5-minute breathing exercise.

    Measured: "Baseline and up to 5 minutes prior to spinal anesthesia induction"

  2. Incidence of Early Spinal Hypotension

    Proportion of participants developing hypotension, defined as a decrease in systolic arterial pressure exceeding 20% from baseline, within the first 5 minutes and within the first 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction. Reported as the ratio of patients experiencing hypotension to the total number of patients per group.

    Measured: "Up to 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction"

  3. Maximum Heart Rate Decrease (ΔHR_max) Following Spinal Anesthesia

    : Maximum decrease in heart rate within the first 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction, calculated as the difference between the heart rate measured immediately prior to spinal anesthesia (T1, reference value) and the lowest heart rate recorded during the first 10 minutes post-spinal (HR_min). Formula: ΔHR_max = HR_T1 - HR_min (beats per minute).

    Measured: "Up to 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction"

  4. Time to First Hypotensive Episode

    Time elapsed (in minutes) from spinal anesthesia induction to the first recorded hypotensive episode, defined as a decrease in systolic arterial pressure exceeding 20% from baseline value (T1).

    Measured: "During surgery, up to approximately 60 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction"

  5. Proportion of Participants Requiring Vasopressor Therapy

    Proportion of participants in each group requiring administration of norepinephrine or ephedrine for the treatment of spinal anesthesia-induced hypotension within the first 10 minutes following spinal induction. Reported as percentage of patients per group.

    Measured: "Up to 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction"

  6. Total Vasopressor Dose Administered

    Total cumulative dose (in micrograms for norepinephrine; in milligrams for ephedrine) of vasopressor agents administered within the first 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction for the treatment of hypotension.

    Measured: "Up to 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction"

  7. Lowest Systolic Arterial Pressure (SAP_min) Following Spinal Anesthesia

    The lowest systolic arterial pressure value (mmHg) recorded within the first 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction, measured by non-invasive blood pressure monitoring at 1-minute intervals.

    Measured: "Up to 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction"

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted27 Mar 2026
  2. Study start1 Mar 2026
  3. Primary completion1 Mar 2028 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Mar 2028 (estimated)

Resources

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
Prevention
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
This study employs a two-arm parallel-group design in which eligible participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the Mindfulness-Based Breathing Exercise Group or the Control Group. Participants in the intervention arm receive a standardized 5-minute mindfulness-based breathing exercise immediately prior to spinal anesthesia induction, while participants in the control arm receive standard preoperative care without any breathing or relaxation intervention. Each participant is assigned to one group only, with no crossover between arms. Randomization is performed using a computer-generated random number sequence with allocation concealment ensured through sequentially numbered, opaque, sealed envelopes (SNOSE).
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
150 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07494955
Sponsor's protocol ID
B.30.2.ATA.0.01.00/127
Acronym
BREATHE-CS
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
18 Mar 2026
Last updated
1 Apr 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: "Individual participant data will not be shared, as this is an academic thesis study conducted at a single center. Patient confidentiality will be maintained in accordance with applicable data protection regulations. Anonymized aggregate results will be reported in the final publication."

Publications

  • Walker AP, McCormack ML, Messier J, Myers-Smith IH, Wullschleger SD. Trait covariance: the functional warp of plant diversity? New Phytol. 2017 Dec;216(4):976-980. doi: 10.1111/nph.14853. No abstract available.

    PubMed 29110312
  • Teixeira AG, Silva AS, Lin FL, Velletri R, Bavia L, Belfort R Jr, Isaac L. Association of complement factor H Y402H polymorphism and age-related macular degeneration in Brazilian patients. Acta Ophthalmol. 2010 Aug;88(5):e165-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2010.01932.x. Epub 2010 Jul 6.

    PubMed 20626361
  • Russo MA, Santarelli DM, O'Rourke D. The physiological effects of slow breathing in the healthy human. Breathe (Sheff). 2017 Dec;13(4):298-309. doi: 10.1183/20734735.009817.

    PubMed 29209423
  • Shaffer F, Ginsberg JP. An Overview of Heart Rate Variability Metrics and Norms. Front Public Health. 2017 Sep 28;5:258. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2017.00258. eCollection 2017.

    PubMed 29034226

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Mindfulness-Based Breathing Exercise in people with Hypotension and Cesarean Section, run by Aysenur Dostbil 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 1 inclusion and 1 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: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 1 Apr 2026. 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?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact esra dilara ayber, MD (+905077794216, esraayber@hotmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Maximum Decrease in Systolic Arterial Pressure (ΔSAP_max) Following Spinal Anesthesia (time frame: Up to 10 minutes following spinal anesthesia induction"). 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 NCT07494955, which also lists 4 linked publications.

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 1 Apr 2026.

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