Effect of the Buteyko breathing technique on asthma severity control among school age children

BACKGROUND: Asthma is a complex condition that can impair not only the child’s physical growth but also his optimal functional capacity and performance. Buteyko breathing technique is an exercise designed to regulate the breathing process. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the Buteyko breathing technique on asthma severity control among school-age children. In Egypt, this technique was applied through five studies, four among adult patients and only one among children. In Mansoura University, only one study conducted among adult patients and no studies conducted among children. Therefore, to fulfill this gap of knowledge, it was necessary to study the effect of this technique on asthma severity control among school age children. RESULTS: The mean childhood asthma control pretest was significantly improved in the posttest with high mean percent change of posttest than pretest (p = 0.0001), which was clinically and statically high significant. There was a statistical significant increase in the mean of peak expiratory flow rate and control pause test at the fourth week than the first one (p = 0.0001), with a high significant mean percent of change. There was a significant decrease in the heart rate over the 4 weeks of follow-up with high mean percent changes at fourth week than the first one (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the effectiveness of the Buteyko breathing technique in improving respiratory outcome and promoting asthma control among school-age children with bronchial asthma. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05390554, registered on May 24 2022, retrospectively registered.