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Updated: May 10, 2026
08:34
Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Breathing exercises for dysfunctional breathing/hyperventilation syndrome in adults
Mandy Jones1, Alex Harvey, Louise Marston
1School of Health Sciences and Social Care, Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK. mandy.jones@brunel.ac.uk.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 4, 2013
Summary
This review found insufficient evidence to support breathing exercises for dysfunctional breathing/hyperventilation syndrome (DB/HVS). More high-quality trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of these interventions for DB/HVS symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Dysfunctional breathing/hyperventilation syndrome (DB/HVS) affects 9.5% of adults, causing significant morbidity.
- Symptoms include breathlessness, chest tightness, dizziness, and paraesthesia.
- Current management strategies lack consensus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of breathing exercises for improving quality of life in DB/HVS patients.
- To identify any adverse effects associated with breathing exercises in this population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs.
- Inclusion criteria: breathing exercises compared to no treatment or alternative therapy.
- Exclusion criteria: observational studies, case studies, cross-over designs.
Main Results:
- Only one small RCT with unclear risk of bias was included.
- The RCT reported a reduction in hyperventilation attacks but did not measure quality of life.
- No numerical data or statistical analysis were presented, limiting interpretation of treatment effects.
Conclusions:
- The current evidence base is insufficient to guide clinical practice for DB/HVS management.
- There is a critical need for well-designed RCTs with validated outcome measures.
- Further research should investigate the comparative effectiveness of different breathing exercise modalities.
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