Why proper breathing is important
Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Pranayama (Yogic Breathing): A Systematic Review
Results:
Initial database searching indicated 669 potentially eligible articles, of which 18 studies satisfying the inclusion/exclusion criteria were selected. All were controlled trials, of which 13 were randomized and 1 was a crossover study. Number of participants ranged from 16 to 160, and the duration of pranayama practice varied from 4 days to 6 months. Studies demonstrated a significant effect on cardiorespiratory functions, in patients with bronchial asthma, with the improvement of pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, and respiratory function measurements. Furthermore, reduction in the frequency of attacks, severity, and medication requirement was also observed, with improved quality of life (QOL). In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, symptom, activity, and impact scores were improved. QOL improvement was also noted in cancer patients.
Conclusions:
Available evidence on pranayama indicates physiological and psychological benefits. Beneficial effects were mostly observed in patients with respiratory diseases such as bronchial asthma. It also helped those with cancer and cardiovascular disease. However, further high-quality randomized trials are required to provide definitive evidence.
2020 May 1. doi: 10.4103/ijoy.IJOY_37_19
The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise Technique on Increasing Oxygen Saturation in Asthma Patients
Abstract
This study aims to determine the effect of the Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise technique on increasing oxygen saturation in asthma patients. This study uses a quantitative approach with the type of Pre-Experimental One Group Pre-Test and post-test research with the Paired Sample T-Test. The results showed that administering the Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise technique can increase oxygen saturation in asthma patients before and after the intervention. The oxygen saturation value before being given the Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise technique showed that the frequency of oxygen saturation of respondents was in the range of 90%-94%, amounting to 38 people (67.9%) with the category of mild hypoxemia and in the field of 75%-89% amounting to 18 people (32.1%) with the type of moderate hypoxemia with an average value of 89.61%. The oxygen saturation value after being given the Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise technique showed that the frequency of oxygen saturation in the range of 95%-100% amounted to 49 people (87.5%) with the standard category and in the field of 90%-94% amounted to 7 people (12.5%) with the type of mild hypoxemia with an average value of 96.61%. It can be concluded that the Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise technique affects increasing oxygen saturation in asthma patients.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31539/josing.v4i1.7531
Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Health: A Narrative Review
Abstract
Background: Breathing is an essential part of life. Diaphragmatic breathing (DB) is slow and deep breathing that affects the brain and the cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems through the modulation of autonomic nervous functions. However, the effects of DB on human health need to be further investigated. Methods:The author conducted a PubMed search regarding the current evidence of the effect of DB on health. Results: This review consists of a total of 10 systematic reviews and 15 randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DB appears to be effective for improving the exercise capacity and respiratory function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although the effect of DB on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with asthma needs to be investigated, it may also help in reducing stress; treating eating disorders, chronic functional constipation, hypertension, migraine, and anxiety; and improving the QoL of patients with cancer and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the cardiorespiratory fitness of patients with heart failure. Conclusions: Based on this narrative review, the exact usefulness of DB in clinical practice is unclear due to the poor quality of studies. However, it may be a feasible and practical treatment method for various disorders.
Medicines 2020, 7(10), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7100065
The Effectiveness of Diaphragmatic Breathing Relaxation Training for Reducing Anxiety
Abstract
Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness on reducing anxiety of a diaphragmatic breathing relaxation (DBR) training program.
Design and methods: This experimental, pre-test-post-test randomized controlled trial with repeated measures collected data using the Beck Anxiety Inventory and biofeedback tests for skin conductivity, peripheral blood flow, heart rate, and breathing rate.
Findings: The experimental group achieved significant reductions in Beck Anxiety Inventory scores (p < .05), peripheral temperature (p = .026), heart rate (p = .005), and breathing rate (p = .004) over the 8-week training period. The experimental group further achieved a significant reduction in breathing rate (p < .001).
Practice implications: The findings provide guidance for providing quality care that effectively reduces the anxiety level of care recipients in clinical and community settings.
Oct 2017 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12184
