Neuromodulatory effects of controlled breathing (CB) interventions on executive functions (EF) and mental well-being in burnout disorder

Objective

The goal of the research project is to investigate the neuromodulatory effects of controlled breathing (CB) interventions on enhancing cognition (i.e., executive functions (EF)) and mental well-being in individuals suffering from burnout disorder. Burnout disorder, signified by debilitating psychological, cognitive, and physiological symptoms, is a growing concern in contemporary society. With an estimated average prevalence of around 20% in the general population and significantly higher rates in specific professional groups (e.g., up to 80% in healthcare workers), burnout disorder necessitates innovative intervention and treatment approaches. The current multidisciplinary study intersects cognitive neuroscience, psychology, biomedical engineering, and health sciences to explore how CB can modulate brain oscillations and improve cognitive and mental health outcomes in burnout disorder. The project will employ a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to examine CB’s impact on three key layers: (1) brain oscillations (i.e., electroencephalography (EEG) measurements), (2) cognition (i.e., standardised EF tasks), and (3) mental well-being (i.e., standardised scales). By utilising EEG, standardised EF tasks, and standardised mental well-being symptom scales, the study will assess pre- and post-intervention changes in neural activity, cognitive performance, and mental well-being. The research findings will be grounded in a theoretical framework – the Free Energy Principle – allowing the formulation of further testable and falsifiable hypotheses and leading towards a structured methodology for investigating the specific mechanisms through which CB influences neurophysiological, cognitive, and psychological processes in burnout, and ensuring that the findings are robust and reproducible. The project outcomes are expected to advance the scientific understanding of non-invasive neuromodulation via CB, offering accessible practical solutions for mental health improvement.