What the study found
The Buteyko breathing technique was associated with better exercise capacity, lower fatigue, and improved asthma control in patients with asthma.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors conclude that the Buteyko breathing technique may be a useful adjunct to standard asthma management, and they describe it as a safe and low-cost intervention.
What the researchers tested
The study was a randomized controlled pretest-posttest trial in 90 patients with asthma at a university hospital outpatient clinic, with 85 participants completing the study. The intervention group received training and exercises based on the Buteyko breathing technique, while the control group continued routine medical treatment.
What worked and what didn't
After the intervention, the intervention group showed a significant increase in six-minute walk distance, which is a test of how far a person can walk in six minutes, along with improvements in FEV₁ (forced expiratory volume in one second) and the FEV₁/FVC ratio, which are pulmonary function test measures. Fatigue scores decreased significantly and Asthma Control Test scores increased markedly in the intervention group; no significant changes were seen in the control group, and no adverse events were reported.
What to keep in mind
Five participants withdrew, leaving 85 participants in the completed study. The abstract does not describe longer-term follow-up, and it does not provide details beyond the outpatient hospital setting and the study period.
Key points
- The trial included 90 patients with asthma, and 85 completed the study.
- The Buteyko breathing group improved in six-minute walk distance, FEV₁, and the FEV₁/FVC ratio.
- Fatigue scores fell and Asthma Control Test scores rose in the intervention group.
- No significant changes were observed in the control group.
- No adverse events were reported.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Buteyko breathing improved asthma control, fatigue, and exercise capacity
- Authors:
- Adile Neşe, Fatoş İpekçioğlu
- Institutions:
- Gaziantep University, Gaziantep Children's Hospital
- Publication date:
- 2026-04-11
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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