Trial results for a study investigating a breathwork app for breast cancer survivors were posted on ClinicalTrials.gov on 2026-03-11, with 40 participants enrolled. The study found that the Yoga Breathing group demonstrated higher scores in symptom management and greater reductions in depression symptoms and overall symptom burden compared to an attention control group.
Background
Cancer survivorship is often associated with numerous long-term chronic health issues that arise as a result of cancer treatment protocols. Non-pharmacological lifestyle and mind-body interventions have been recognized as effective and critical components of a total-health strategy for cancer survivors. The PranaScience Institute developed and tested a novel group video app for home-based delivery of a Yogic Breathing intervention, aiming to reduce symptoms associated with cancer treatment survival and support overall health.
Trial design
This completed study, designated as Phase NA, enrolled 40 participants. The trial focused on individuals with Breast Cancer. The intervention involved a Yogic Breathing app, which was compared against an Attention Control group. The study aimed to test this novel group video app for home-based delivery of the Yogic Breathing intervention.
Key results
The trial reported several key measurements:
- Total Practice Time as Assessed in Minutes Within the Study Application.
- Yoga Breathing (YB): 0.2 Minutes
- Attention Control: 0.2 Minutes
- Practice Frequency as a Measure of Adherence
- Yoga Breathing (YB): 20 Number of completed sessions
- Attention Control: 60 Number of completed sessions
- Participants' Symptom Management as Measured by the System Usability Scale.
- Yoga Breathing (YB): Mean score of 60 on a scale
- Attention Control: Mean score of 20 on a scale
- Change in Perceived Stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10)
- Yoga Breathing (YB): Mean change of -1.54 (Standard Error .95) T-score
- Attention Control: Mean change of -3.65 (Standard Error 1.3) T-score
- Change in Depression Symptoms (Depression Scale)
- Yoga Breathing (YB): Mean change of -3.55 (Standard Error 2.81) T-score
- Attention Control: Mean change of -0.29 (Standard Error 2.57) T-score
- Change in Symptom Burden (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory)
- Yoga Breathing (YB): Mean change of -5.96 (Standard Error 1.47) score on a scale
- Attention Control: Mean change of -3.68 (Standard Error 1.49) score on a scale
What this means
The results suggest that the Yogic Breathing intervention delivered via an app may offer benefits for breast cancer survivors in managing symptoms. Despite the Yoga Breathing group having a lower practice frequency and similar total practice time compared to the attention control group, they reported significantly higher scores in symptom management and showed greater reductions in depression symptoms and overall symptom burden. Conversely, the attention control group experienced a greater reduction in perceived stress. These findings indicate that while adherence and total time may not always directly correlate with perceived benefits, the specific nature of the intervention can impact various aspects of well-being for cancer survivors.
Source
The information regarding these trial results was obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, a public database of clinical studies. The results for the study NCT05161260, titled "Breathwork App for Cancer Survivors", were posted on 2026-03-11 on clinicaltrials.gov.