The Effectiveness of Autonomic Nervous System, Sleep Quality, and Immune Regulation for Shift Nurses Practicing Alternative Nostril Breathing

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Shift Nurses
• Interventions: Behavioral: Alternative nostril breathing

• Registration Number: NCT02242708
• Lead Sponsor: Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of shift nurses practicing alternative nostril breathing to improve life quality, autonomic nervous system and immune status.

Detailed Description

Breathing is regulated by autonomic nervous system. It is well-known that breathing exercise can regulate autonomic nervous function and promote relaxation. However, the mechanism for better immunity and sleep quality is not clear. We postulate that alternative nostril breathing might benefit nurses after undergoing shift work. The benefits could be due to improvement of autonomic nervous function, sleep quality, and even immune function.

The study design will include a randomization of two groups, with a control group and one experimental groups for 3 months (12 weeks). The control group will do normal breathing. The experimental groups will do alternative nostril breathing twice a week (20 minutes/time) for 3 months.

The study primary endpoints are 1) to improve autonomic nervous function, 2) to improve sleep quality and 3) to enhance human immunity.

We anticipate to reach the primary endpoints and publish the primary results in one year.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2013-10
• Status Verified: 2014-09
• Study First Submitted: 2014-09-15
• Study First Submitted QC: 2014-09-15
• Last Update Submitted: 2014-09-15
• Study First Posted: 2014-09-17
• Last Update Posted: 2014-09-17
• Primary Completion: 2014-12
• Study Completion: 2014-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 40

Inclusion Criteria

• Shift nurses

Exclusion Criteria

• Upper respiratory tract infection such as nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, wheezing, nosebleeds, fever and other symptoms.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Alternative nostril breathing	Alternative nostril breathing	The experimental groups will do alternative nostril breathing twice a week (20 minutes/time) for 3 months.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Improve sleep quality.	Change from baseline in sleep quality at 3 months.	Sleep quality will be assessed by pittsburg sleep quality index at three different times: (1)baseline data: before alternate nostril breathing practice ,(2)outcome data:6 and 12 weeks alternate nostril breathing practice, right after exercise measures post-test.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Enhance human immunity	Change from baseline in human immunity at 3 months.	Lymphocytes will be extracted from peripheral blood for analyses of lymphocytes subpopulation, polarization and its related cytokines. Saliva will be collected at 3 different times: (1)baseline data: before alternate nostril breathing program ,(2)outcome data:6 and 12 weeks alternate nostril breathing practice, right after exercise measures post-test.
Improve autonomic nervous function	Change from baseline in autonomic nervous function at 3 months.	Autonomic nervous function will be assessed by biofeedback index using heart rate variability at three different times: (1)baseline data: before alternate nostril breathing practice ,(2)outcome data:6 and 12 weeks alternate nostril breathing practice, right after exercise measures post-test.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Division of Core Laboratory; Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital; 🇨🇳 Changhua County, Taiwan