Caring Relationships Expression Study

NCT ID: NCT05627687

Last Updated: 2024-02-12

Study Results

Results pending

The study team has not published outcome measurements, participant flow, or safety data for this trial yet. Check back later for updates.

Basic Information

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Recruitment Status

COMPLETED

Clinical Phase

PHASE1/PHASE2

Total Enrollment

38 participants

Study Classification

INTERVENTIONAL

Study Start Date

2021-12-13

Study Completion Date

2023-07-01

Brief Summary

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This study will examine a heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) intervention versus a music listening control (MLC) for 30 family caregivers (FCGs) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) (and related dementias: ADRD) patients to examine feasibility (acceptability/adherence, satisfaction) and direction of change in caregiver burden, stress, resilience, anxiety, self-compassion, and relationship quality over the course of 8-weeks.

Detailed Description

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This pilot study aims to examine feasibility of implementing a HRVB intervention and an MLC control with AD FCGs. The HRVB and MLC interventions will be evaluated for acceptability (operationalized as adherence to intervention) and satisfaction and to identify necessary intervention modifications. Feasibility benchmarks: 85% of participants will be at least 70% adherent to implementation goals (10-min use 5-7 days per week). Feasibility of randomization will be examined by comparing adherence/retention (expecting similar patterns across interventions). Acceptability/satisfaction with HRVB and MLC will be evaluated in semi-structured interviews post-intervention including detailed probing on feature preferences, barriers/facilitators, suggested improvements for retention.

The second aim of this study is to examine patterns of association of HRVB and MLC with outcomes. The investigators will examine pre- to post-intervention changes (and sustained outcomes at follow-up) in self-reported caregiver burden, stress and resilience. Change in relationship quality will additionally be assessed from pre- to post intervention. Change in ANS balance, a neurophysiological indicator of reduced emotional distress and improved resilience, will be assessed using HRV data at all four timepoints to examine trends and change over time. Significance tests will not be conducted, in alignment with goals for pilot feasibility studies. The investigators will observe the direction of change and outcomes to examine the value of MLC as an appropriate control condition showing minimal placebo effects compared to HRVB.

Conditions

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Caregiver Burden Anxiety Stress

Study Design

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Allocation Method

RANDOMIZED

Intervention Model

PARALLEL

This is a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial comparing heart rate variability biofeedback to a music listening control condition, both practiced 4-5 days per week for 8 weeks.
Primary Study Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Blinding Strategy

SINGLE

Participants
The participant is advised that they are entering a study in which they will be randomized to one of two conditions designed to potentially reduce stress and caregiver burden. Neither condition is presented as the control, thus participants are blinded to the expectations of the assigned condition.

Study Groups

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Music Listening Control

Music listening control (MLC) will consist of listening to selected music tracks of choice using either the Pandora or Spotify app (with coaching to download app and play, and log listening time in diary), specifically choosing a neutral channel, Coffeehouse Playlist. For both interventions, FCG will be asked to practice/listen 10-minutes at a time with their AD patient (sharing as much or as little as is possible/preferred) for at least 4-5 days/week, and asked to complete diary/checklists to show times practicing/listening.

Group Type PLACEBO_COMPARATOR

Music Listening Control

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Listening to music using the Coffeehouse playlist on either Pandora or Spotify app, 10 minutes/day, 4-5 days per week

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback

Participants will receive coaching in a practice that is guided using an Inner Balance app with a device that senses pulse and provides feedback to help achieve a rhythm of heart rate variability called resonant frequency, or "coherence". They will be guided first in slowed heart-focused breathing and positively-focused emotions and then will connect to the app to receives visual feedback to achieve a favorable HRV.

Group Type ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Practice using the Inner Balance app and device, 10 minutes/day, 4-5 days per week

Interventions

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Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback

Practice using the Inner Balance app and device, 10 minutes/day, 4-5 days per week

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Music Listening Control

Listening to music using the Coffeehouse playlist on either Pandora or Spotify app, 10 minutes/day, 4-5 days per week

Intervention Type BEHAVIORAL

Other Intervention Names

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Heart Focused breathing

Eligibility Criteria

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Inclusion Criteria

* In primary/unpaid FCG role \> 6 months
* Caring for mild-to-severe ADRD patient

* 4 caregiver burden score Own/operate smartphone w data plan

Exclusion Criteria

* Pacemakers or implanted cardioconverter defibrillator (ICD), or conditions/meds that interfere with HRV measurement/feedback
Minimum Eligible Age

18 Years

Eligible Sex

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sponsors

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Arizona State University

OTHER

Sponsor Role lead

Responsible Party

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Linda Larkey

Professor

Responsibility Role PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Principal Investigators

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Linda K Larkey, PhD

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Arizona State University

Locations

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Arizona State University Downtown Campus

Phoenix, Arizona, United States

Site Status

Countries

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United States

Other Identifiers

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00014913

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id

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