Effects of breathing exercises on resting metabolic rate and maximal oxygen uptake

[Purpose] The aim of the present study is to examine effects of diaphragm breathing exercise and feedback breathing exercise on maximal oxygen uptake and resting metabolic rate. [Participants and Methods] Thirty-eight healthy participants were randomly assigned to two groups; the diaphragm breathing exercise group and the feedback breathing exercise group. The diaphragm breathing exercise group was asked to perform diaphragm respiration, and the feedback breathing exercise group was asked to breathe with feedback breathing device. Maximal oxygen uptake and resting metabolic rate were measured before and after two breathing exercises. [Results] Significant difference was found in maximal oxygen uptake before and after two breathing exercises. There was also significant difference in resting metabolic rate before and after diaphragm breathing exercise. However, significant difference was not found in resting metabolic rate before and after feedback breathing exercise. There were not significant between-group differences in both maximal oxygen uptake and resting metabolic rate. [Conclusion] Diaphragm breathing exercise and feedback breathing exercise could influence maximal oxygen uptake. Diaphragm breathing exercise could influence resting metabolic rate, but feedback breathing exercise could not.