Adjunctive Effect of Buteyko Breathing on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Physiological Parameters among Recreational Athletes: A Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial

Introduction

Buteyko Breathing (BB) has shown potential to improve cardiorespiratory endurance in previous studies. The breath-holding effect of BB is the condition of maintaining high carbon-dioxide levels all the time, which can lower blood pH, causing more oxygen to be released into the tissues and increased cardiorespiratory endurance. BB is about slow and shallow nasal breathing, aiming to prevent hyperventilation, which may consequently increase parasympathetic activity. Need of the study: With limited research available on the effects of BB on athletic performance, especially in enhancing VO2 max, Resting Heart Rate (RHR) and Resting Blood Pressure (RBP). This randomised controlled trial aims to fill this gap by providing valuable insights into how BB can improve Cardio Respiratory Fitness (CRF) and physiological parameters. The objective of this study is to see whether daily BB practice over six weeks would increase cardiorespiratory endurance and lower RHR and RBP.