CYBERMED LIFE - ORGANIC  & NATURAL LIVING

Cybermedlife - Therapeutic Actions Therapeutic Breathing

A randomized controlled dosing study of Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing for the treatment of major depressive disorder: Impact on suicidal ideation and safety findings.

Abstract Title: A randomized controlled dosing study of Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing for the treatment of major depressive disorder: Impact on suicidal ideation and safety findings. Abstract Source: Complement Ther Med. 2018 Apr ;37:136-142. Epub 2018 Feb 23. PMID: 29609926 Abstract Author(s): Maren Nyer, Patricia L Gerbarg, Marisa M Silveri, Jennifer Johnston, Tammy M Scott, Maya Nauphal, Liz Owen, Greylin H Nielsen, David Mischoulon, Richard P Brown, Maurizio Fava, Chris C Streeter Article Affiliation: Maren Nyer Abstract: BACKGROUND: Yoga interventions offer promise for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), yet their safety and potential impact on suicidal ideation (SI) have not been well documented. This study evaluated the safety of a randomized controlled dose-finding trial of Iyengar yoga plus coherent breathing for individuals with MDD, as well as the potential effects of the intervention on SI without intent. METHODS: Participants with Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores ≥14 and a diagnosis of MDD (using DSM-IV criteria) were randomized to either a low dose group (LDG) or high dose group (HDG) and received a 12-week manualized intervention. The LDG included two 90-min yoga classes plus three 30-min homework sessions weekly. The HDG offered three 90-min classesplus four 30-min homework sessions weekly. RESULTS: Thirty-two individuals with MDD were randomized, of which 30 completed the protocol. At screening, SI without intent was endorsed on the BDI-II by 9 participants; after completing the intervention, 8 out of 9 reported resolution of SI. There were 17 adverse events possibly-related and 15 definitely-related to the intervention. The most common protocol-related adverse event was musculoskeletal pain, which resolved over the course of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The Iyengar yoga plus coherent breathing intervention was associated with the resolution of SI in 8 out of 9 participants, with mild side effects that were primarily musculoskeletal in nature. This preliminary evidence suggests that this intervention may reduce SI without intent and be safe for use in those with MDD. Article Published Date : Mar 31, 2018

Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder with Iyengar Yoga and Coherent Breathing: A Randomized Controlled Dosing Study. 📎

Abstract Title: Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder with Iyengar Yoga and Coherent Breathing: A Randomized Controlled Dosing Study. Abstract Source: J Altern Complement Med. 2017 Mar ;23(3):201-207. Epub 2017 Feb 16. PMID: 28296480 Abstract Author(s): Chris C Streeter, Patricia L Gerbarg, Theodore H Whitfield, Liz Owen, Jennifer Johnston, Marisa M Silveri, Marysia Gensler, Carol L Faulkner, Cathy Mann, Mary Wixted, Anne Marie Hernon, Maren B Nyer, E Richard P Brown, John E Jensen Article Affiliation: Chris C Streeter Abstract: OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess the effects of an intervention of Iyengar yoga and coherent breathing at five breaths per minute on depressive symptoms and to determine optimal intervention yoga dosing for future studies in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: Subjects were randomized to the high-dose group (HDG) or low-dose group (LDG) for a 12-week intervention of three or two intervention classes per week, respectively. Eligible subjects were 18-64 years old with MDD, had baseline Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores≥14, and were either on no antidepressant medications or on a stable dose of antidepressants for ≥3 months. The intervention included 90-min classes plus homework. Outcome measures were BDI-II scores and intervention compliance. RESULTS: Fifteen HDG (Mage = 38.4 ± 15.1 years) and 15 LDG (Mage = 34.7 ± 10.4 years) subjects completed the intervention. BDI-II scores at screening and compliance did not differ between groups (p = 0.26). BDI-II scores declined significantly from screening (24.6 ± 1.7) to week 12 (6.0 ± 3.8)for the HDG (-18.6 ± 6.6; p < 0.001), and from screening (27.7 ± 2.1) to week 12 (10.1 ± 7.9) in the LDG (-17.7 ± 9.3; p < 0.001). There were no significant differences between groups, based on response (i.e.,>50% decrease in BDI-II scores; p = 0.65) for the HDG (13/15 subjects) and LDG (11/15 subjects) or remission (i.e., number of subjects with BDI-II scores<14; p = 1.00) for the HDG (14/15 subjects) and LDG (13/15 subjects) after the 12-week intervention, although a greater number of subjects in the HDG had 12-week BDI-II scores ≤10 (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: During this 12-week intervention of yoga plus coherent breathing, depressive symptoms declined significantly in patients with MDD in both the HDG and LDG. Both groups showed comparable compliance and clinical improvements, with more subjects in the HDG exhibiting BDI-II scores≤10 at week 12. Article Published Date : Feb 28, 2017

Effects of slow and regular breathing exercise on cardiopulmonary coupling and blood pressure.

Abstract Title: Effects of slow and regular breathing exercise on cardiopulmonary coupling and blood pressure. Abstract Source: Med Biol Eng Comput. 2017 Feb ;55(2):327-341. Epub 2016 May 18. PMID: 27193228 Abstract Author(s): Zhengbo Zhang, Buqing Wang, Hao Wu, Xiaoke Chai, Weidong Wang, Chung-Kang Peng Article Affiliation: Zhengbo Zhang Abstract: Investigation of the interaction between cardiovascular variables and respiration provides a quantitative and noninvasive approach to assess the autonomic control of cardiovascular function. The aim of this paper is to investigate the changes of cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC), blood pressure (BP) and pulse transit time (PTT) during a stepwise-paced breathing (SPB) procedure (spontaneous breathing followed by paced breathing at 14, 12.5, 11, 9.5, 8 and 7 breaths per minute, 3 min each) and gain insights into the characteristics of slow breathing exercises. RR interval, respiration, BP and PTT are collected during the SPB procedure (48 healthy subjects, 27 ± 6 years). CPC is assessed through investigating both the phase and amplitude dynamics between the respiration-induced components from RR interval and respiration by the approach of ensemble empirical mode decomposition. It was found that even though the phase synchronization and amplitude oscillation of CPC were both enhanced by the SPB procedure, phase coupling does not increase monotonically along with the amplitude oscillation during the whole procedure. Meanwhile, BP was reduced significantly by the SPB procedure (SBP: from 122.0 ± 13.4 to 114.2 ± 14.9 mmHg, p < 0.001, DBP: from 82.2 ± 8.6 to 77.0 ± 9.8 mmHg, p < 0.001, PTT: from 172.8 ± 20.1 to 176.8 ± 19.2 ms, p < 0.001). Our results demonstrate that the SPB procedure can reduce BP and lengthen PTT significantly. Compared with amplitude dynamics, phase dynamics is a different marker for CPC analysis in reflecting cardiorespiratory coherence during slow breathing exercise. Our study provides a methodology topractice slow breathing exercise, including the setting of target breathing rate, change of CPC and the importance of regular breathing. The applications and usability of the study results have also been discussed. Article Published Date : Jan 31, 2017

Morning breathing exercises prolong lifespan by improving hyperventilation in people living with respiratory cancer. 📎

Abstract Title: Morning breathing exercises prolong lifespan by improving hyperventilation in people living with respiratory cancer. Abstract Source: Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Jan ;96(2):e5838. PMID: 28079815 Abstract Author(s): Wei-Jie Wu, Shan-Huan Wang, Wei Ling, Li-Jun Geng, Xiao-Xi Zhang, Lan Yu, Jun Chen, Jiang-Xi Luo, Hai-Lu Zhao Article Affiliation: Wei-Jie Wu Abstract: Disturbance of oxygen-carbon dioxide homeostasis has an impact on cancer. Little is known about the effect of breath training on cancer patients. Here we report our 10-year experience with morning breathing exercises (MBE) in peer-support programs for cancer survivors.We performed a cohort study to investigate long-term surviving patients with lung cancer (LC) and nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) who practiced MBE on a daily basis. End-tidal breath holding time (ETBHT) after MBE was measured to reflect improvement in alveolar O2 pressure and alveolar CO2 pressure capacity.Patients (female, 57) with a diagnosis of LC (90 patients) and NPC (32 patients) were included. Seventy-six of them were MBE trainees. Average survival years were higher in MBE trainees (9.8 ± 9.5) than nontrainees (3.3 ± 2.8). The 5-year survival rate was 56.6% for MBE trainees and 19.6% for nontrainees (RR = 5.371, 95% CI = 2.271-12.636, P < 0.001). Survival probability of the trainees further increased 17.9-fold for the 10-year survival rate. Compared with the nontrainees, the MBE trainees shows no significant differences in ETBHT (baseline, P = 0.795; 1-2 years, P = 0.301; 3-4 years, P = 0.059) at baseline and within the first 4 years. From the 5th year onwards, significant improvements were observed in ETBHT, aCO2%, PaCO2, and PaO2 (P = 0.028). In total, 18 trainees (40.9%) and 20 nontrainees (74.1%) developed new metastasis (RR = 0.315, 95% CI = 0.108-0.919, P = 0.031).MBE might benefit for the long-term survival in patients with LC and NPC due to improvement in hyperventilation. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2016

Beneficial Effects of Yogasanas and Pranayama in limiting the Cognitive decline in Type 2 Diabetes. 📎

Abstract Title: Beneficial Effects of Yogasanas and Pranayama in limiting the Cognitive decline in Type 2 Diabetes. Abstract Source: Natl J Physiol Pharm Pharmacol. 2017 ;7(3):232-235. Epub 2016 Sep 24. PMID: 28299348 Abstract Author(s): Santhakumari Rajani, Rajagopalan Archana, Yogananda Reddy Indla, P Rajesh Article Affiliation: Santhakumari Rajani Abstract: BACKGROUND: Out of many complications that were observed in type 2 diabetes, cognitive impairment is the most neglected. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to assess the cognitive decline in type 2 diabetes and to observe the role of yogasanas and pranayama in ameliorating the cognitive decline. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty eight type 2 diabetic subjects were recruited in the study, 34 of them did specific yogasanas and pranayama (test group) for six months and the remaining age and sex matched 34 subjects were recruited as (control group) who were not on any specific exercise regimen. Glycaemic index was estimated by measuring the glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) concentration with Bio-Rad apparatus and cognition was assessed by using Addenbrook's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R), which is a neuropsychological battery. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data was analysed with unpaired student t test. P value<0.05 is considered as statistically significant. Validity was assessed by receiver operating characteristics. RESULTS: Analysis of data indicated more cognitive scores in the test group when compared with the control group. In test group six months practice of yogasanas and pranayama has also significantly brought down the high glycaemic values which were observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: These findings allow the study to conclude that regular practice of yogasanas and pranayama has a beneficial effect on cognitive performance in type 2 diabetic subjects by stabilizing blood glucose. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2016

Laughter yoga versus group exercise program in elderly depressed women: a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract Title: Laughter yoga versus group exercise program in elderly depressed women: a randomized controlled trial. Abstract Source: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2010 Sep 16. Epub 2010 Sep 16. PMID: 20848578 Abstract Author(s): Mahvash Shahidi, Ali Mojtahed, Amirhossein Modabbernia, Mohammad Mojtahed, Abdollah Shafiabady, Ali Delavar, Habib Honari Article Affiliation: Department of Counseling, School of Psychology&Training Sciences, Allameh Tabatabai University, Tehran, Iran. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Laughter Yoga founded by M. Kataria is a combination of unconditioned laughter and yogic breathing. Its effect on mental and physical aspects of healthy individuals was shown to be beneficial. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Kataria's Laughter Yoga and group exercise therapy in decreasing depression and increasing life satisfaction in older adult women of a cultural community of Tehran, Iran. METHODS: Seventy depressed old women who were members of a cultural community of Tehran were chosen by Geriatric depression scale (score > 10). After completion of Life Satisfaction Scale pre-test and demographic questionnaire, subjects were randomized into three groups of laughter therapy, exercise therapy, and control. Subsequently, depression post-test and life satisfaction post-test were done for all three groups. The data wereanalyzed using analysis of covariance and Bonferroni's correction. RESULTS: Sixty subjects completed the study. The analysis revealed a significant difference in decrease in depression scores of both Laughter Yoga and exercise therapy group in comparison to control group (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). There was no significant difference between Laughter Yoga and exercise therapy groups. The increase in life satisfaction of Laughter Yoga group showed a significant difference in comparison with control group (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between exercise therapy and either control or Laughter Yoga group. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that Laughter Yoga is at least as effective as group exercise program in improvement of depression and life satisfaction of elderly depressed women. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley&Sons, Ltd. Article Published Date : Sep 16, 2010

Trained breathing-induced oxygenation acutely reverses cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal disease.

Abstract Title: Trained breathing-induced oxygenation acutely reverses cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in patients with type 2 diabetes and renal disease. Abstract Source: Acta Diabetol. 2016 Apr ;53(2):217-26. Epub 2015 May 9. PMID: 25956276 Abstract Author(s): Pasquale Esposito, Roberto Mereu, Giacomo De Barbieri, Teresa Rampino, Alessandro Di Toro, Per-Henrik Groop, Antonio Dal Canton, Luciano Bernardi Article Affiliation: Pasquale Esposito Abstract: AIMS: Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction, evaluated as baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), could be acutely corrected by slow breathing or oxygen administration in patients with type 1 diabetes, thus suggesting a functional component of the disorder. We tested this hypothesis in patients with the type 2 diabetes with or without renal impairment. METHODS: Twenty-six patients with type 2 diabetes (aged 61.0 ± 0.8 years, mean ± SEM; duration of diabetes 10.5 ± 2 years, BMI 29.9 ± 0.7 kg/m(2), GFR 68.1 ± 5.6 ml/min) and 24 healthy controls (aged 58.5 ± 1.0 years) were studied. BRS was obtained from recordings of RR interval and systolic blood pressure fluctuations during spontaneous and during slow, deep (6 breaths/min) controlled breathing in conditions of normoxia or hyperoxia (5 l/min oxygen). RESULTS: During spontaneous breathing, diabetic patients had lower RR interval and lower BRS compared with the control subjects (7.1 ± 1.2 vs. 12.6 ± 2.0 ms/mmHg, p < 0.025). Deep breathing and oxygen administration significantly increased arterial saturation, reduced RR interval and increased BRS in both groups (to 9.6 ± 1.8 and 15.4 ± 2.4 ms/mmHg, respectively, p < 0.05, hyperoxia vs. normoxia). Twelve diabetic patients affected by chronic diabetic kidney disease (DKD) presented a significant improvement in the BRS during slow breathing and hyperoxia (p < 0.025 vs. spontaneous breathing during normoxia). CONCLUSIONS: Autonomic dysfunction present in patients with type 2 diabetes can be partially reversed by slow breathing, suggesting a functional role of hypoxia, also in patients with DKD. Interventions known to relieve tissue hypoxia and improve autonomic function, like physical activity, may be useful in the prevention and management of complications in patients with diabetes. Article Published Date : Mar 31, 2016

Increased cardio-respiratory coupling evoked by slow deep breathing can persist in normal humans. 📎

Abstract Title: Increased cardio-respiratory coupling evoked by slow deep breathing can persist in normal humans. Abstract Source: Respir Physiol Neurobiol. 2014 Dec 1 ;204:99-111. Epub 2014 Sep 28. PMID: 25266396 Abstract Author(s): Thomas E Dick, Joseph R Mims, Yee-Hsee Hsieh, Kendall F Morris, Erica A Wehrwein Article Affiliation: Thomas E Dick Abstract: Slow deep breathing (SDB) has a therapeutic effect on autonomic tone. Our previous studies suggested that coupling of the cardiovascular to the respiratory system mediates plasticity expressed in sympathetic nerve activity. We hypothesized that SDB evokes short-term plasticity of cardiorespiratory coupling (CRC). We analyzed respiratory frequency (fR), heart rate and its variability (HR&HRV), the power spectral density (PSD) of blood pressure (BP) and the ventilatory pattern before, during, and after a 20-min epoch of SDB. During SDB, CRC and the relative PSD of BP at fR increased; mean arterial pressure decreased; but HR varied; increasing (n = 3), or decreasing (n = 2) or remaining the same (n = 5). After SDB, short-term plasticity was not apparent for the group but for individuals differences existed between baseline and recovery periods. We conclude that a repeated practice, like pranayama, may strengthen CRC and evoke short-term plasticity effectively in a subset of individuals. Article Published Date : Nov 30, 2014

Paced breathing compared with usual breathing for hot flashes.

Abstract Title: Paced breathing compared with usual breathing for hot flashes. Abstract Source: Menopause. 2013 Feb ;20(2):179-84. PMID: 22990758 Abstract Author(s): Richa Sood, Amit Sood, Sherry L Wolf, Breanna M Linquist, Heshan Liu, Jeff A Sloan, Daniel V Satele, Charles L Loprinzi, Debra L Barton Article Affiliation: Richa Sood Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Paced breathing (slow, deep, diaphragmatic breathing) reduces central sympathetic activity and facilitates the relaxation response. The present study was designed to assess the feasibility of and to obtain initial efficacy estimates of two paced-breathing programs, compared with usual breathing, for the frequency and severity of hot flashes. METHODS: We designed a 9-week, randomized, three-arm, parallel-group, blinded (investigator) phase II clinical trial. Using an audio CD, participants in the active arms practiced paced breathing at 6 breaths/minute for 15 minutes, either once or twice a day, whereas the control arm practiced usual breathing at 14 breaths/minute for 10 minutes/day. Feasibility was assessed through self-report questionnaires; percent reduction and effect size estimates were determined using changes in hot flash frequency and scores within each group. RESULTS: Of the 92 eligible participants, 68 (74%) completed the study. Most women reported that the intervention was easy to do (79%) and of appropriate duration (71%). They could practice exercises as taught (61%) and could practice on most days (65%). Participants in all arms reported hot flash reductions during the 9 weeks: 52% for paced breathing twice a day, 42% for paced breathing once a day, and 46% for usual breathing. CONCLUSIONS: The paced-breathing intervention is feasible. Although paced breathing twice a day seems to be the most helpful dose, efforts to intensify paced breathing once a day may be more practical for widespread dissemination. The efficacy and overall clinical impact of paced-breathing exercises on hot flash reduction require further evaluation in an adequately powered, placebo-controlled, randomized phase III clinical trial. Article Published Date : Jan 31, 2013

Effect of yoga practices on pulmonary function tests including transfer factor of lung for carbon monoxide (TLCO) in asthma patients.

Abstract Title: Effect of yoga practices on pulmonary function tests including transfer factor of lung for carbon monoxide (TLCO) in asthma patients. Abstract Source: Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2012 Jan-Mar;56(1):63-8. PMID: 23029966 Abstract Author(s): Savita Singh, Ritu Soni, K P Singh, O P Tandon Article Affiliation: Department of Physiology, University College of Medical Sciences&Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India. Abstract: Prana is the energy, when the self-energizing force embraces the body with extension and expansion and control, it is pranayama. It may affect the milieu at the bronchioles and the alveoli particularly at the alveolo-capillary membrane to facilitate diffusion and transport of gases. It may also increase oxygenation at tissue level. Aim of our study is to compare pulmonary functions and diffusion capacity in patients of bronchial asthma before and after yogic intervention of 2 months. Sixty stable asthmatic-patients were randomized into two groups i.e group 1 (Yoga training group) and group 2 (control group). Each group included thirty patients. Lung functions were recorded on all patients at baseline, and then after two months. Group 1 subjects showed a statistically significant improvement (P<0.001) in Transfer factor of the lung for carbon monoxide (TLCO), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1st sec (FEV1), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) and slow vital capacity (SVC) after yoga practice. Quality of life also increased significantly. It was concluded that pranayama&yoga breathing and stretching postures are used to increase respiratory stamina, relax the chest muscles, expand the lungs, raise energy levels, and calm the body. Article Published Date : Dec 31, 2011

Effect of pranayama&yoga-asana on cognitive brain functions in type 2 diabetes-P3 event related evoked potential (ERP).

Abstract Title: Effect of pranayama&yoga-asana on cognitive brain functions in type 2 diabetes-P3 event related evoked potential (ERP). Abstract Source: Indian J Med Res. 2010 May;131:636-40. PMID: 20516534 Abstract Author(s): Tenzin Kyizom, Savita Singh, K P Singh, O P Tandon, Rahul Kumar Article Affiliation: Department of Physiology, University College of Medical Sciences&Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Abstract: BACKGROUND&OBJECTIVES:Electrophysiological evidence of delayed cognition as measured by P300, an evoked potential is observed in Diabetes mellitus. P300 (or P3) is a component of endogenous cerebral evoked response that assesses higher functions of the brain. Our study aims to see the role of pranayama and yoga-asana on P300 latency and amplitude in type 2 diabetic patients. METHODS: Sixty patients of type 2 diabetes were recruited from diabetic clinic and divided into two groups - control group on only conventional medical therapy and yoga-group on conventional medical therapy along with pranayama and yoga-asana. Basal recordings of P300 and blood glucose were taken at the time of recruitment and second recordings repeated after forty five days for both the groups. P300 was recorded on Nihon Kohden Neuropack mu MEB 9100 using auditory "odd-ball paradigm". The data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test at 5 per cent level of significance. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement in the latency and the amplitude of N200, P300 was observed in the yoga group as compared to the control group. INTERPRETATION&CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that yoga has a beneficial effect on P300 and thus can be incorporated along with the conventional medical therapy for improving cognitive brain functions in diabetes. Article Published Date : May 01, 2010

Effect of two breathing exercises (Buteyko and pranayama) in asthma: a randomised controlled trial. 📎

Abstract Title: Effect of two breathing exercises (Buteyko and pranayama) in asthma: a randomised controlled trial. Abstract Source: Phytother Res. 2009 Dec 2. PMID: 12885982 Abstract Author(s): S Cooper, J Oborne, S Newton, V Harrison, J Thompson Coon, S Lewis, A Tattersfield Article Affiliation: Division of Respiratory Medicine, City Hospital, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with asthma are interested in the use of breathing exercises but their role is uncertain. The effects of the Buteyko breathing technique, a device which mimics pranayama (a yoga breathing technique), and a dummy pranayama device on bronchial responsiveness and symptoms were compared over 6 months in a parallel group study. METHODS: Ninety patients with asthma taking an inhaled corticosteroid were randomised after a 2 week run in period to Eucapnic Buteyko breathing, use of a Pink City Lung Exerciser (PCLE) to mimic pranayama, or a PCLE placebo device. Subjects practised the techniques at home twice daily for 6 months followed by an optional steroid reduction phase. Primary outcome measures were symptom scores and change in the dose of methacholine provoking a 20% fall in FEV(1) (PD(20)) during the first 6 months. RESULTS: Sixty nine patients (78%) completed the study. There was no significant difference in PD(20) between the three groups at 3 or 6 months. Symptoms remained relatively stable in the PCLE and placebo groups but were reduced in the Buteyko group. Median change in symptom scores at 6 months was 0 (interquartile range -1 to 1) in the placebo group, -1 (-2 to 0.75) in the PCLE group, and -3 (-4 to 0) in the Buteyko group (p=0.003 for difference between groups). Bronchodilator use was reduced in the Buteyko group by two puffs/day at 6 months; there was no change in the other two groups (p=0.005). No difference was seen between the groups in FEV(1), exacerbations, or ability to reduce inhaled corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: The Buteyko breathing technique can improve symptoms and reduce bronchodilator use but does not appear to change bronchial responsiveness or lung function in patients with asthma. No benefit was shown for the Pink City Lung Exerciser. Article Published Date : Dec 02, 2009

Diaphragmatic Breathing Reduces Exercise-induced Oxidative Stress. 📎

Abstract Title: Diaphragmatic Breathing Reduces Exercise-induced Oxidative Stress. Abstract Source: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2009 Oct 29. PMID: 19875429 Abstract Author(s): Daniele Martarelli, Mario Cocchioni, Stefania Scuri, Pierluigi Pompei Abstract: Diaphragmatic breathing is relaxing and therapeutic, reduces stress, and is a fundamental procedure of Pranayama Yoga, Zen, transcendental meditation and other meditation practices. Analysis of oxidative stress levels in people who meditate indicated that meditation correlates with lower oxidative stress levels, lower cortisol levels and higher melatonin levels. It is known that cortisol inhibits enzymes responsible for the antioxidant activity of cells and that melatonin is a strong antioxidant; therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of diaphragmatic breathing on exercise-induced oxidative stress and the putative role of cortisol and melatonin hormones in this stress pathway. We monitored 16 athletes during an exhaustive training session. After the exercise, athletes were divided in two equivalent groups of eight subjects. Subjects of the studied group spent 1 h relaxing performing diaphragmatic breathing and concentrating on their breath in a quiet place. The other eight subjects, representing the control group, spent the same time sitting in an equivalent quite place. Results demonstrate that relaxation induced by diaphragmatic breathing increases the antioxidant defense status in athletes after exhaustive exercise. These effects correlate with the concomitant decrease in cortisol and the increase in melatonin. The consequence is a lower level of oxidative stress, which suggests that an appropriate diaphragmatic breathing could protect athletes from long-term adverse effects of free radicals. Article Published Date : Oct 29, 2009

Are breathing exercises an effective strategy for people with asthma?

Abstract Title: Are breathing exercises an effective strategy for people with asthma? Abstract Source: Nurs Times. 2009 Mar 17-23;105(10):22-7. PMID: 19400340 Abstract Author(s): Mike Thomas Abstract: BACKGROUND: The effect of breathing techniques on asthma symptoms and disease control is uncertain. AIM: To investigate whether physiotherapist-taught breathing exercises can improve asthma control and reduce the condition's impact on patients' quality of life. METHOD: A randomised controlled trial comparing breathing training with asthma education (control for non-specific effects of healthcare professionals' attention) was carried out. RESULTS: One month after the intervention, both groups showed similar improvements in asthma quality-of-life questionnaire scores but, at six months, there was a significant difference between groups in favour of breathing training. There was also a significant difference in anxiety and depression scores in favour of breathing training at six months. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study found that adult patients with asthma who were taught breathing exercises showed improvements in quality of life, symptoms and psychological well-being after six months. Breathing exercises may have a role in helping the many people treated for asthma in general practice who have symptoms despite inhaled treatment. Article Published Date : Mar 17, 2009

Diaphragm training in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Abstract Title: Diaphragm training in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Abstract Source: J Clin Neuromuscul Dis. 2008 Dec ;10(2):56-60. PMID: 19169091 Abstract Author(s): Rachel Nardin, Carl O'Donnell, Stephen H Loring, Rui Nie, Kristi Hembre, Joy Walsh, Barbara Wilson Arboleda, Alona Muzikansky, Dang Nguyen, Elizabeth Raynor Article Affiliation: Rachel Nardin Abstract: There is a continued need for therapies to improve respiratory function and quality of life in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. In this pilot trial, we studied 8 subjects with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and respiratory involvement. We measured respiratory function and quality of life at baseline. We then taught subjects diaphragm training, a method of breath control designed to improve respiratory muscle strength and efficiency. We repeated measures of respiratory function and quality of life 6 and 12 weeks later. There was no significant improvement in any outcome measure after instituting diaphragm training. There was a nonsignificant trend toward a slower rate of decline in respiratory function in those subjects who mastered the technique; however, only half the subjects were able to successfully change their pattern of breathing. A larger study of this technique is warranted; however, in determining the sample size for a larger study, the difficulty for patients in mastering the technique must be taken into consideration. Article Published Date : Nov 30, 2008
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