Immediate Effect of Buteyko Breathing in Hypertensive Patients: An Experimental Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: There are ample studies showing effect of Buteyko breathing technique on cardiovascular
parameters in asthmatics but very few studies have been done to see its immediate effect on hypertensive
patients.
Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the immediate effectiveness of Buteyko breathing technique on
hypertensive patients in terms of Systolic and Diastolic Blood pressure, Heart rate and Oxygen saturation
(SpO2)
Method: The research design used was Experimental prospective study design. Total 50 participants were
screened and those meeting the inclusion criteria (42) were included in the study. The participants were
randomly divided into two groups-experimental and control Group, by computer generated randomised
table into groups of 21 each. The experimental group performed the Buteyko breathing exercises. The
control group did not receive any treatment. Pre and immediate post intervention scores were measured in
terms of systolic BP, Diastolic BP, heart rate and SpO2.
Findings: On comparing the pre and post intervention values of the outcome measures, it was observed that
there was statistically significant difference in Systolic BP, Heart rate and SpO2 values in Buteyko breathing
group. No significant difference was seen in Pre and Post values of Systolic and Diastolic BP, Heart rate and
SpO2 values in Control group. On comparing between the groups, it was observed that there was statistically
significant difference between the two groups in terms of SpO2
Conclusion: Thus it can be concluded from the present study that Buteyko breathing technique has an
immediate positive response on oxygen saturation level in hypertensives.