Tess Graham was part of the research team and the Buteyko instructor for a clinical trial of the Buteyko Method through the Mater Hospital in Brisbane, Australia with chronic asthma sufferers. The “Buteyko Group” were taught the Buteyko Method; the “Control Group” were taught a standard physiotherapy breathing and asthma management approach. Both groups were followed up for three months. Medication changes were made under medical direction and supervision.
‘Buteyko breathing techniques in asthma: a controlled trial’. Bowler SD. MJA. 1998; 169: 575–578 .
Here is a summary of the statistically significant results at the 3-month review endpoint.
Minute Volume MV = Litres breathed per minute
Trial subjects averaged
14L/minute at rest.
(Normal MV is 4-6 L/min.)
Chronic overbreathing was found in ALL subjects of both groups.
25% reduction in MV
71% median reduction in symptoms
96% median reduction in daily β2‐agonist (bronchodilator) use
49% reduction in daily inhaled corticosteroid use
Correlation between reduction in MV and reduction in need for bronchodilater medication
No significant change in any parameter.
THE LINK WITH YOUR BREATHING PATTERN
People with asthma characteristically ‘overbreathe’ – either through the mouth or through the nose. Chronic coughing is a form of overbreathing - it also involves high volume breathing and lowered CO2 levels.
Research shows people with asthma routinely breathe 2-3 times more air per minute than is normal. Physiologic normal is 5 L/min; multiple studies show the average in people with asthma is around 14 L/min.