# A Randomized Control Trial Treating Depression with Yoga and Coherent Breathing Versus Walking in Veterans

> **NIH VA I01** · EDITH NOURSE  ROGERS MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSPITAL · 2020 · —

## Abstract

Overview The study tests the hypothesis that an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system with to much
sympathetic tone (Fight or Flight) and to little parasympathetic tone (rest, renewal and social engagement) and
associated low activity in the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is associated with negative
emotional states and may be a crucial underlying link between negative emotions and poor health such that
the correction of these imbalances will be associated with decreased depressive symptoms in Veterans with
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Study Design: This is a Phase 2, longitudinal, efficacy, randomized
controlled trial. Veterans with MDD will be evaluated for eligibility and randomized to 12-week intervention
providing two-sessions per week of either an intervention of yoga and coherent breathing at five breaths per
minute or walking at 2.5 miles an hour, such that the groups are matched for metabolic demand, interaction
with research staff and group effect. Depression scales will be collected at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12.
Mood scales and RSA will be collected at baseline and pre and post interventions at weeks 4, 8, and 12.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) data for thalamic GABA levels will be collected at baseline (Scan 1),
after the 12-week intervention (Scan 2) which is immediately followed by the assigned intervention and Scan 3.
The primary outcome measure is depression symptoms assessed using established rating scales. The
secondary outcome measure is the thalamic GABA levels. The tertiary outcome measure is Respiratory
Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA), a measure of high frequency Heart Rate Variability and a marker of parasympathetic
tone. Evaluations are designed to address changes over the course of the study, and acute changes before
and after interventions at week 4, 8, and 12 evaluations. Instruments: Depression scales include the Hamilton
Rating Scale for Depression-17 (HDRS) and the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II). Mood scales include
the Spielberger State -Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Exercise -Induced Feeling Inventory (EIFI). Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) scales include the Clinician Administered Posttraumatic Stress Scale
(CAPS) and the PTSD Check List – Civilian (PCL-C). Inclusion Criteria: The study will include 18 to 65 year
old males and females Veterans with a current diagnosis of MDD who have a HDRS scores ≥ to 14 at
screening. If subjects have been taking a stable dose of antidepressants that target a monoamine system for at
least three months with no anticipated changes during the study, they will be allowed to continue their
medication. Exclusion Criteria: The following are not allowed: history of psychosis or bipolar illness; history of
suicidal ideation with intent in the last year; current mind-body practice (e.g., yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, breathing
practices, or meditation); more than three current criteria for Alcohol or Substance Use Disorder using DSM-V
criteria; a...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9813962
- **Project number:** 5I01CX001577-02
- **Recipient organization:** EDITH NOURSE  ROGERS MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Chris Conway Streeter
- **Activity code:** I01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-10-01 → 2023-09-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9813962

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9813962, A Randomized Control Trial Treating Depression with Yoga and Coherent Breathing Versus Walking in Veterans (5I01CX001577-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9813962. Licensed CC0.

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