Asthma Treatment: Buteyko Breathing Technique

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of BBT training on asthma control, quality of life, and pulmonary function among asthma patients.The findings suggest that BBT may be a potentially effective complementary approach. However, given the small sample size and short follow-up duration, larger studies with longer-term follow-up are necessary to confirm and generalize these results.

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Key information

Conditions

Asthma Bronchial Diseases Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity, Immediate Immune System Diseases Lung Diseases Lung Diseases, Obstructive Respiratory Hypersensitivity Respiratory Tract Diseases

Age range

18 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ege University

Izmir, İzmir, 35040, Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

According to certain perspectives, hyperventilation plays a significant role in the manifestation of asthma symptoms. The Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT), which targets dysfunctional breathing patterns, has been reported to reduce symptoms of hyperventilation and associated anxiety in asthmatic individuals.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of BBT training on asthma control, quality of life, and pulmonary function among asthma patients.

Between June 2018 and June 2019, this randomized controlled trial was conducted at the asthma outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Approximately 450 asthma patients presented during the study period; 36 eligible participants were assessed, 12 were excluded, and the remaining 24 individuals were randomized (block randomization, block size = 4) into an intervention group (n=12) and a control group (n=12). The intervention group received BBT training and daily practice sessions, while the control group received standard breathing education-based on the "Life with Asthma" booklet-including abdominal and diaphragmatic breathing techniques. All participants were evaluated at baseline and at week 6 using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ), Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), and pulmonary function tests (FEV₁, FEV₁/FVC, control pause (CP)). Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0; independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and repeated-measures ANOVA were applied.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

included patients who:

were followed in the asthma outpatient clinic of the university hospital,
had stable asthma (no exacerbation in the last 6 weeks),
had no communication problems,
had no history of smoking,
were using inhaled corticosteroids regularly (without dose changes in the past 4 weeks),
voluntarily agreed to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

were as follows:

presence of another chronic pulmonary disease (e.g., COPD, bronchiectasis),
psychiatric illness history or use of psychiatric medications,
cognitive impairment or inability to follow instructions,
pregnancy or breastfeeding,
participation in another clinical trial simultaneously.

Treatment and study plan

Buteyko Breathing Technique Training

Other

Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT), developed in the 1950s, which focuses on reducing dysfunctional hyperventilation patterns through breath control and extended breath-holding phases called control pauses

Primary outcomes

Change in Asthma Control

Time frame: Baseline to 6 months after intervention

Asthma control will be assessed using the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-6). Higher scores indicate worse control. Scores range from 5 to 25, with lower scores indicating better asthma control. The original Cronbach's alpha was reported as 0.85; in this study, the internal consistency was calculated as 0.88.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Seçil Beyece İncazli

Other

Registry information

Official study title

A Complementary Approach to Asthma Treatment: Buteyko Breathing Technique

Important dates

Study start: 2018
Primary completion: 2018
Study completion: 2019
First posted: Aug 5, 2025
Registry last updated: Aug 5, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.

Completed