Breath of Resilience: Evaluating the Impact of SKY Breath Meditation on Stress, Well-being, and Connection in College Students - A Pilot Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Phase: NA
Conditions: Stress, Anxiety, Physical Activity
Sponsor: University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa

Title of project: Breath of Resilience: Evaluating the Impact of SKY Breath Meditation on 
Stress, Well-being, and Connection in College Students – A Pilot Randomized Controlled 
Trial 
Name of Principal Investigator: Dr. Kunwal M. Scott 
Name(s) of Co-investigator(s) if relevant: Dr. Mudasir Andrabi, Dr. Sree Kalyan Patiballa, 
Sauryaa Shrestha, Dr. Thomas McCoy 
 
Document Date:  Jan 6th, 2026

 
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PROTOCOL TITLE: Breath of Resilience: Evaluating the Impact of SKY Breath Meditation on 
Stress, Well-being, and Connection in College Students – A Pilot Feasibility Randomized 
Controlled Trial 
INSTRUCTIONSi: 
• 
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with the information from the following sections.  
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applicable to your research. If so mark as “NA”. For example, research 
involving a retrospective chart review may have many sections with “NA.”  
For subsections, like 1.x or 8.x, you can delete it if it’s not applicable. 
• 
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modify this copy when making changes. 
• 
As you are writing the protocol, remove all instructions in italics so that 
they are not contained in the final version of your protocol. 
• 
For submission of a protocol specific to a participating Site as part of a 
Multi-Site Study, use HRP-508 – TEMPLATE - SITE SUPPLEMENT 
 
PROTOCOL TITLE: 
Include the full protocol title. Breath of Resilience: Evaluating the Impact of SKY Breath 
Meditation on Stress, Well-being, and Connection in College Students – A Pilot 
Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial 
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR: 
Name - Kunwal M. Scott 
 
Department - Nursing 
Email Address – kmscott10@ua.edu 
VERSION NUMBER/DATE: 
Include the version number and date of this protocol. 
 
REVISION HISTORY 
 
Revision # 
Version 
Date 
Summary of Changes 
Consent 
Change? 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
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Contents 
1.0 
Study Summary ................................................................................................................. 4 
2.0 
Objectives ........................................................................................................................... 6 
3.0 
Background ........................................................................................................................ 6 
4.0 
Study Endpoints ................................................................................................................ 8 
5.0 
Study Intervention ............................................................................................................. 8 
6.0 
Procedures Involved ....................................................................................................... 11 
7.0 
Data and Specimen Banking ......................................................................................... 11 
8.0 
Sharing of Results with Subjects .................................................................................. 14 
9.0 
Study Timelines ............................................................................................................... 14 
10.0 Subject Population .......................................................................................................... 14 
11.0 Vulnerable Populations .................................................................................................. 14 
12.0 Local Number of Subjects .............................................................................................. 14 
13.0 Recruitment Methods...................................................................................................... 14 
14.0 Withdrawal of Subjects ................................................................................................... 14 
15.0 Risks to Subjects ............................................................................................................. 14 
16.0 Potential Benefits to Subjects ....................................................................................... 15 
17.0 Data Management and Confidentiality ......................................................................... 15 
18.0 Provisions to Monitor the Data to Ensure the Safety of Subjects ............................ 15 
19.0 Provisions to Protect the Privacy Interests of Subjects ............................................. 16 
20.0 Compensation for Research-Related Injury ................................................................ 17 
21.0 Economic Burden to Subjects ....................................................................................... 17 
22.0 Consent Process ............................................................................................................. 17 
23.0 Process to Document Consent in Writing ................................................................... 18 
24.0 Setting ............................................................................................................................... 18 
25.0 Resources Available ....................................................................................................... 18 
26.0 Multi-Site Research ......................................................................................................... 18 
 
 
 

 
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1.0 
Study Summary 
 
Protocol Information  
Description 
Study Title 
Breath of Resilience: Evaluating the Impact of SKY Breath 
Meditation on Stress, Well-being, and Connection in College 
Students – A Pilot Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial 
Study Design 
This is a Pilot feasibility study with a randomized controlled 
trial (RCT) design 
Primary Objective 
• To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this 
RCT by implementing an 8-week SKY Breath 
Meditation intervention for university students and 
examining participant recruitment and retention rates, 
intervention adherence, and stakeholder satisfaction.  
• To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of an 8-week 
SKY Breath Meditation program on the changes in 
amount of physical activity among university 
students in the intervention group as compared to that 
of the participants in control group from baseline to 
post-intervention phase.   
Secondary 
Objective(s) 
• To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of an 8-week 
SKY Breath Meditation program on psychological 
outcomes of perceived stress, anxiety and resilience 
among university students by comparing the changes 
in these outcomes between the intervention group and 
control group participants from baseline to post-
intervention phase.  

 
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• To assess the changes in social connectedness and 
cognitive focus of university students receiving SKY 
Breath Meditation Program from before to after the 
intervention phase. 
Research 
Intervention(s)  
SKY breath Meditation for three days in person and then 
twice weekly online practice sessions.  
Study Population 
Approximately 56 participants will be recruited from a local 
university, including both undergraduate and graduate 
students. Participants will be assigned to either the 
intervention group (SKY Breath Meditation) or active 
control group with equal allocation. Recruitment will adhere 
to clearly defined inclusion and exclusion criteria as outlined 
below. 
Sample Size 
56 University of Alabama students (Graduate or 
undergraduate) 
Study Duration for 
individual 
participants 
8 week 
Study Specific 
Abbreviations/ 
Definitions  
Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) 
perceived stress scale (PSS) 
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) 
 
Social Connectedness Scale-Revised (SCS-R) 
Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) 
International Physical Activity Questionnaire – Short Form 
(IPAQ-SF) 
 
 
 
 

 
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2.0 
Objectives 
2.1 To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of an 8-week SKY Breath Meditation 
program on the changes in amount of physical activity among university 
students in the intervention group as compared to that of the participants 
in control group from baseline to post-intervention phase.   
2.2 evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this RCT by implementing an 8-
week SKY Breath Meditation intervention for university students and 
examining participant recruitment and retention rates, intervention 
adherence, and stakeholder satisfaction 
2.3 To assess the changes in social connectedness and cognitive focus of 
university students receiving SKY Breath Meditation Program from before to 
after the intervention phase 
2.4 To evaluate the preliminary efficacy of an 8-week SKY Breath Meditation 
program on psychological outcomes of perceived stress, anxiety and 
resilience among university students by comparing the changes in these 
outcomes between the intervention group and control group participants 
from baseline to post-intervention phase. 
3.0 
Background 
Mental health and well-being among university students have become a critical concern 
nationwide, with rising levels of stress, anxiety, and depression significantly impacting academic 
performance and overall well-being (American College Health Association [ACHA], 2023). 
Healthy Minds Study 2022-2023 Data Report (2023) and American College Health Association 
(2023) indicated that 76% college students reported psychological distress on the healthy minds 
survey, with 36% students reporting anxiety, 28% students experiencing depression, and 53% 
students reporting loneliness and feeling of isolation. Recent studies suggest lowest mental 
health and poor mental well-being is related to highest academic stress (Barbayannis et al., 
2022). The same study indicated the relationship between the mental well-being and academic 
stress are negatively correlated, signifying that positive mental well-being is a possible pathway 
to lower academic stress; whereas, negative or poor mental well-being leads to higher academic 
stress (Barbayannis et al., 2022). Such levels of stress, anxiety, and disconnection not only 
impair academic performance but also strain campus counseling resources. There is an urgent 

 
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need for accessible, preventive interventions that can improve students’ coping skills and 
resilience before problems escalate (Seppälä et al., 2020). 
 Introducing healthy coping strategies can assist students in managing challenges effectively 
leading to reduction in perceived stress and increased academic adjustment (Teixeira et al., 
2022). A strategy widely researched in recent years is mindfulness-based interventions. 
Mindfulness-based interventions, particularly breathwork meditation techniques, have emerged 
as promising strategies to mitigate stress and enhance psychological resilience among college 
students (Fincham et al., 2023; Seppälä et al., 2020). A 2025 meta-analysis of breathwork-based 
interventions further confirms that controlled breathing techniques can meaningfully lower self-
reported stress and improve mental health outcomes (Ganesan et al., 2025). Specifically, the 
Sudarshan Kriya Yoga (SKY) Breath Meditation program integrates rhythmic breathing 
exercises, meditation, and gentle yoga, demonstrating effectiveness in reducing perceived stress, 
anxiety, and improving emotional resilience and mindfulness in multiple populations (Korkmaz 
et al., 2024; Seppälä et al., 2020). Prior randomized controlled trials have shown that SKY 
Breath Meditation significantly enhances emotional regulation, reduces anxiety symptoms, and 
promotes social connectedness in university students (Seppälä et al., 2020).  
Given the promising evidence, evaluating the effectiveness of SKY Breath Meditation within a 
university student population aligns with institutional priorities to proactively support student 
mental health and promote academic success through evidence-based, preventive strategies 
(Chung et al., 2021; Fincham et al., 2023). The purpose of this study is to (a) test the feasibility 
and acceptability along with (b) preliminary efficacy of a structured, 8-week SKY Breath 
Meditation program on physical activity and psychological outcomes (stress, anxiety, and 
resilience), social connection, and the cognitive focus of university students randomly assigned 

 
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to intervention group receiving the SKY Breath Meditation program as compared to those 
assigned to an active control group receiving an informational booklet about meditation and 
yoga, and monthly check-in calls. We will also evaluate any changes in overall mental well-
being, and academic performance among the participants in the intervention group compared to 
that of the participants in the control group.. 
4.0 
Study Endpoints 
4.1 Same as objectives listed above 
5.0 
Study Intervention 
5.1 
Intervention - SKY: The SKY Program has following components: 
I) Three-Day In-Person Retreat: The SKY program begins with a three-day intensive 
retreat, held Friday evening and during the daytime on Saturday and Sunday of the same 
weekend, totaling approximately 12 hours. Certified instructors will teach participants a 
structured sequence of yogic breathing techniques, meditation, and gentle yoga. A core 
component is the Sudarshan Kriya (SKY) breathing practice, characterized by cyclical 
breathing patterns involving slow, medium, and fast breaths, designed to induce calm and 
emotional release (Ganesan et al., 2025). Additional breathing practices include ujjayi 
(victorious breath) and bhastrika (bellows breath), as well as guided meditation and group 
exercises that enhance emotional awareness and social connection. Interactive 
discussions covering stress management, neuroscience of breathing, and positive 
psychology skills, such as gratitude exercises, will align with the standardized SKY 
Campus Happiness curriculum utilized in previous research (Seppälä et al., 2020). 
Overall, the multi-component approach of SKY—combining breathing techniques, 
physical movement, meditation, and community support—is hypothesized to produce 
broad psychological benefits demonstrated in earlier trials (Seppälä et al., 2020). 

 
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To encourage attendance and foster a retreat-like atmosphere, healthy catered meals 
(breakfast, lunch, and snacks) will be provided on each 4-hour retreat day. Offering meals 
ensures participants remain onsite throughout each day and serves as acknowledgment of 
their commitment. Depending on additional funding, participants will receive a $20 gift 
card upon completing the study and the post-test data collection. 
II) Weekly Virtual Sessions (Weeks 2–8): Following the retreat, SKY participants will 
continue weekly instructor-guided virtual sessions (30 minutes) and engage in 
independent SKY practice (approximately 20 minutes, 3 times weekly). Participants will 
log practice frequency and duration in provided journals, which will be collected at study 
completion and analyzed to assess adherence as a key feasibility and acceptability 
endpoint. Session attendance will also be tracked to evaluate participant engagement with 
the intervention.  All sessions will be led by certified SKY instructors, such as those 
affiliated with the SKY Campus Happiness program. This will be a shorter guided 
meditation and breathwork practice along with opportunity for Q&A and check-in. 
Participants will receive instruction on safe breathing practices, avoiding overexertion, 
and logging adherence.   
III) Home Practice: Participants will be encouraged to integrate brief daily practices on their 
own. Following the standard SKY protocol, they will be asked to practice the SKY 
breathing technique and meditation at least 3 times per week at home, for approximately 
20 minutes per session. Participants will be encouraged to utilize daily log to record their 
practice frequency, which instructors will review to monitor adherence. Although daily 
practice is strongly encouraged for maximum benefit, no participant will be removed for 

 
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non-compliance; all data will be primarily analyzed by assigned group regardless of 
actual practice amount in an intent-to-treat approach. 
IV) The SKY Breath Meditation retreat and weekly virtual sessions will be conducted 
specifically for the purposes of this research study and are not part of any program 
or event that would occur independently of the research. The active control group 
series is also created solely for the study. 
The SKY intervention is group-based, fostering peer support and social connection. We 
anticipate that group bonding during the retreat (which involves some group discussions and 
enjoyable activities) will carry forward, potentially contributing to improved social 
connectedness – an outcome we will measure. The emphasis on self-compassion and non-
judgment in the program may also positively influence participants’ self-kindness and resilience.  
Control Group: Participants in the active control group will be assigned to follow a pre-selected 
series of online yoga videos, without breath-based meditation, for 30 minutes at least 3-5 times 
per week, over 8 weeks. They will log yoga sessions and receive weekly reminders, mirroring 
the structure and frequency of the SKY Breath Meditation group after the 3-day SKY retreat.  
As an ethical courtesy, once the 8-week trial is over and all post-test data is collected, the active 
control group participants will receive information regarding opportunity to attend a SKY retreat 
later at no cost. Data Collection: We will assess multiple outcomes spanning feasibility and 
standardized questionnaires. Feasibility metrics include recruitment rate, retention, and 
adherence to SKY practice (Ganesan et al., 2025).  
Participants will be informed in the consent form that they will be randomly assigned to 
either the SKY Breath Meditation intervention group or the active control group. No 
deception is used, and no debriefing procedure is required. 

 
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6.0 
Procedures Involved 
Design: This is a Pilot feasibility study with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. 
We will obtain the IRB approval from the University of Alabama. The study will use a two-arm, 
parallel-group, RCT design over an 8-weeks follow-up period to evaluate the effects of SKY 
Breath Meditation compared to an active control condition. Participants will be aware of their 
assigned group, but research staff responsible for data management and analysis will remain 
blinded to group allocations. The trial will be pre-registered in ClinicalTrials.gov and conducted 
in accordance with CONSORT guidelines to ensure transparency and methodological rigor. 
Data Analysis:  
Sample characteristics and study outcome measures will be assessed by randomized arm to 
check for imbalance. The frequency and percent meeting feasibility and acceptability 
benchmarks will be estimated along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Before 
conducting the further analyses for preliminary efficacy outcomes, summary statistics will be 
generated and adjustments to our measures and statistical models will be made to address any 
potential violations of the assumptions underlying the models. Internal consistency reliability 
will be assessed with coefficients alpha and omega. Missing data will be inspected for their 
amounts and patterns, and if prevalent, sensitivity analyses conducted using multiple imputation 
with at least 100 imputations using a fully conditional specification. Primary analysis to evaluate 
study aims and related hypotheses will be conducted using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) of 
post-intervention measures explicitly controlling for baseline levels when evaluating intervention 
vs. active control group mean differences. Additional control variables such as group, cohort, 
time slot or student demographics will be adjusted for if they affect the estimate of the 
intervention vs. active control effect by ≥10%. All analyses will be performed using SAS (SAS 

 
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Institute, Cary, NC and IBM SPSS (Armonk, NY) statistical software with primary findings 
based on an intent-to-treat approach. A two-sided p-value < 0.05 will be considered statistically 
significant and reported in tandem with measures of precision (95% CIs).  
The effectiveness of the SKY intervention will be evaluated by comparing the pre-to-post change 
in outcomes between the intervention group and active control group. The primary outcomes, 
perceived stress and resilience will be tested first to determine if the intervention yields 
significant improvements relative to control. 
For continuous self-report outcomes (PSS, GAD-7, etc.), we will assume approximate normality; 
if distributions are skewed; for example, GAD-7 might be skewed low in a healthy sample, we 
can apply transformations or use alternative group comparisons via Median or Gamma 
regression.  
We will similarly analyze other preliminary efficacy outcomes (self-compassion, mindfulness 
facets, physical activity, social connectedness) with the same approach. We expect positive 
changes, such as increased SCS-R score, in SKY group relative to control group. Effect sizes 
(e.g., standardized mean difference/Cohen’s d) along with their 95% CIs will be estimated for 
future trial design consideration.  
Exploratory analyses: We will explore correlations between the amount of home practice (20 
minutes at least 3 times per week, as reported in participant practice logs) and outcome changes 
within the SKY group to examine potential dose–response patterns. Because completion of 
practice logs may vary, adherence itself will also be evaluated as a feasibility endpoint. In 
addition, we will calculate the proportion of participants in each group who demonstrate 
clinically significant improvement on primary outcomes (e.g., ≥5-point reduction on the 
Perceived Stress Scale, or a shift from moderate to low distress category). These exploratory 

 
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analyses are intended to illustrate the potential practical impact of the intervention and to inform 
design considerations for a larger, adequately powered trial. 
1. Pre-test online questionnaires (20–25 minutes): 
• 
Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) 
• 
GAD-7 
• 
Social Connectedness Scale-Revised (SCS-R) 
• 
Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) 
• 
IPAQ-SF 
• 
Brief Resilience Scale 
• 
Demographics questionnaire 
2. Random assignment: 
Participants will be randomly assigned (1:1) to the SKY intervention or active control group. 
Intervention Group Procedures: 
3. Three-day in-person SKY Retreat (total ~12 hours): Participants attend a guided program 
including breathing practices, meditation, light yoga, and group activities. 
4. Weekly virtual SKY sessions (30 minutes each week): Instructor-led breathwork and 
meditation. 
5. Home practice sessions (20 mins sessions at least 3 times a week) 
6. Home Practice logs (5–10 minutes per week to complete logs): Participants complete daily 
or weekly logs documenting SKY practice frequency and duration. Logs will be collected at 
post-test. 
Control Group Procedures: 
6. 30-minute online yoga video sessions, 3–5 times/week for 8 weeks: Participants log their 
participation in weekly practice logs (5–10 minutes per week). 
7. Monthly check-in call (5–10 minutes). 
8. Post-test online questionnaires (20–25 minutes): 
Same measures as pre-test plus intervention feedback items. 
 
Audio/video recordings: 
No SKY sessions, control sessions, or study procedures will be audio- or video-recorded. 
7.0 
Data and Specimen Banking 
All the data and the records from study participants will be treated as private 
healthcare records and will be stored on an encrypted network server and an encrypted 
cloud drive (UA BOX) shared between study investigators. All participant data will be 
obtained electronically and saved electronically to the UA Box. Data will be used in de-

 
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identified format in any presentation, publication, or report from this project. All 
personnel involved in this project will complete HIPAA certification and receive training 
in Human Subjects Protections (CITI).  
8.0 
Sharing of Results with Subjects 
8.1 N/A 
9.0 
Study Timelines 
9.1 Describe: 
• 
Individual participation lasts approximately 8 weeks. Enrollment 
is expected to take 2–3 months, depending on recruitment flow. 
Data collection will be completed within the same semester as 
enrollment. 
10.0 Subject Population 
• Approximately 56 participants will be recruited from a local 
university, including both undergraduate and graduate students. 
Participants will be assigned to either the intervention group (SKY 
Breath Meditation) or active control group with equal allocation. 
Recruitment will adhere to clearly defined inclusion and exclusion 
criteria as outlined below. 
• Only adults (18+) may participate. 
 
11.0 Vulnerable Populations 
• 
N/A 
12.0 Local Number of Subjects 
56 participants 
13.0 Recruitment Methods 
Attached flyer to the IRB application will be distributed to the colleges at UA 
to be added to the college wide newspapers at each university level. 
14.0 Withdrawal of Subjects 
Participation in the research study is voluntary, and participants may 
withdraw at any time during the study.  
If a participant withdraws, the data collected before withdrawal will not be 
utilized.  
15.0 Risks to Subjects 

 
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This intervention poses minimal risk. SKY is a structured breathing meditation 
with no invasive procedures. The greatest foreseeable risks are minor and transient, such 
as lightheadedness or slight hyperventilation effects during practice, muscle soreness 
from posture, or occasional emotional release. All breathing sessions will be taught and 
supervised by trained instructors, who will monitor for discomfort. In case of any adverse 
reaction, participants can pause the exercise or seek medical attention. No serious adverse 
events related to SKY are expected based on prior studies, SKY has a strong safety 
record and is generally considered low-risk.  
16.0 Potential Benefits to Subjects 
The primary potential benefit of the proposed research is the potential to improve in 
physical activity and mental well-being and cognition and reduce stress.  
17.0 Data Management and Confidentiality 
• All the data and the records from study participants will be treated as private 
healthcare records and will be stored on an encrypted network server and an 
encrypted cloud drive (UA BOX) shared between study investigators. All participant 
data will be obtained electronically and saved electronically to the UA Box. Data will 
be used in de-identified format in any presentation, publication, or report from this 
project. All personnel involved in this project will complete HIPAA certification and 
receive training in Human Subjects Protections (CITI).  
• All collected data will be de-identified using unique participant ID codes. A separate, 
password-protected linkage file connecting names to ID codes will be stored on an 
encrypted server accessible only to the PI. Identifiers will be removed before analysis. 
No names or direct identifiers will appear in datasets used for analysis. 
18.0 Provisions to Monitor the Data to Ensure the Safety of Subjects 

 
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This section is required when research involves more than Minimal 
Risk to subjects. 
• 
.N/A 
19.0 Provisions to Protect the Privacy Interests of Subjects 
Participants will be informed that all the data and the records from study 
participants will be treated as private healthcare records and will be stored on an 
encrypted network server and an encrypted cloud drive (UA BOX) shared between study 
investigators. All participant data will be obtained electronically and saved electronically 
to the UA Box. Data will be used in de-identified format in any presentation, publication, 
or report from this project. All personnel involved in this project will complete HIPAA 
certification and receive training in Human Subjects Protections (CITI).  
 
 
Select all identifiers that will be collected at any time as part of this study 
(including for recruitment, data gathering, data analysis, etc.), even if the data will 
eventually be anonymized: 
x Names 
☐ Geographic Locators Below State Level 
☐ Social Security Numbers 
☐ Dates (year alone is not an identifier) 
☐ Ages over 89 (age under 89 is not an identifier) 
x Phone Numbers 
☐ Facsimile Numbers 
x E-mail Addresses 
☐ Medical Record Numbers 
☐ Device Identifiers  
☐ Biometric Identifiers 
☐ Web URLs 
☐ IP Addresses 
☐ Account Numbers 
☐ Health Plan Numbers 
☐ Full Face Photos or Comparable Images 
☐ License/Certification Numbers 
☐ Vehicle ID Numbers 
☐ Other Unique Identifier 

 
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☐ Employee # 
☐ No Identifiers 
 
20.0 Compensation for Research-Related Injury 
N/A 
 
21.0 Economic Burden to Subjects 
N/A 
22.0 Consent Process 
• 
Consent will be collected prior to the start of the first in-person 
session.  
• 
Participants will be informed in the consent form that they will be 
randomly assigned to either the SKY Breath Meditation 
intervention group or the active control group. No deception is 
used, and no debriefing procedure is required. 
• 
Consent will be obtained electronically using an online consent 
form, without a handwritten signature. Participants will indicate 
consent by clicking an “I agree to participate” button. 
• 
We will be following HRP-090 - SOP - Informed Consent Process for 
Research. HRP-502 attached to the IRB application.  
Non-English Speaking Subjects 
N/A 
Waiver or Alteration of Consent Process (consent 
will not be obtained, required information will not 
be disclosed, or the research involves deception) 
• 
N/A – we will obtain the consent. 
Subjects who are not yet adults (infants, children, 
teenagers) 
o 
College students, who are 18 and above are eligible to 
participate in the study. Hence, we will not need parental 
consent. 
Cognitively Impaired Adults 
• 
N/A 

 
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Adults Unable to Consent 
o 
N/A 
 
23.0 Process to Document Consent in Writing 
23.1 Yes, we will be following HRP-091 - SOP - Written Documentation of 
Consent. If not, describe whether and how consent of the subject will be 
documented in writing. 
24.0 Setting 
The initial 3-day, 4 hours each day, SKY Breath Meditation retreat will be 
conducted in person at a large space at the University of Alabama campus; for 
example, a ballroom in the student center, following campus safety protocols and 
allowing adequate space for yoga and breathwork practices. To accommodate 
students’ schedules and maximize participation, the SKY retreat will be offered in 
two parallel intervention groups, 8am to 12pm in the  morning and 12:30pm 
to 4:30pm in the afternoon, for three days, light snacks along with breakfast for 
morning session and lunch for afternoon session will be served. Participants 
randomized to SKY can choose a morning or afternoon retreat slot, each cohort 
capped at approximately 15 students, with a total of 28in the SKY intervention 
group. This flexible scheduling is recommended for group interventions to reduce 
barriers to attendance. 
 
25.0 Resources Available 
25.1 Describe the resources available to conduct the research: For example, as 
appropriate: 
• 
We plan to recruit 56 undergraduate and graduate students at the 
university of Alabama.  What percentage of those potential subjects 
do you need to recruit? 
• 
The research will be implemented in Feb through April of 2026. 
• 
We plan to utilize assistance of sky campus student organization on 
campus to reserve room in student center for in person session.  
• 
Research protocol will be reviewed prior to the implementation of the 
intervention to ensure all team members are on aware of the research 
guidelines.  
26.0 Multi-Site Research (Delete this section if this is not a Multi-Site 
Research Study.) 
N/A 
 

 
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i This template satisfies AAHRPP elements 1.7.B, I.8.B, I-9, II.2. A, II.2.I, II.3.A, II.3.B, II.3.C-II.3.C.1, II.3.D-F, II.4.A, 
III.1.C-F, II.2.D