European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: A new conception is emerging by acknowledging that right breathing volume is elemental for good health, based on the devotional work of Russian scientist Konstantin Buteyko. Buteyko breathing technique (BBT) is committed to reduce pulmonary ventilation which raises the levels of carbon dioxide in the body. Thus, it increases oxygen delivery to the tissues and cells.
Objectives: To analyse the effectiveness of the Buteyko Breathing Technique on physiological and psychological parameters of football players.
Methodology: 40 male footballers were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups. Group A (n=20) received 6 weeks BBT (5 sessions/week) where as Group B (n=20) continued with regular training. Resting Heart Rate (RHR), Resting Blood Pressure (RBP), VO2max, Control Pause Test and Anxiety were measured at the beginning and after the completion of the protocol in both the groups.
Results: Paired t test revealed a significant decrease in RHR, and Anxiety by 5.76% and 12.4% respectively. Resting Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 4.26% and 5% respectively, whereas massive improvement was seen in Control Pause by 134.2% and VO2max by 15.54% in Group A. No significant change was seen in group B. Conclusion: BBT was found to be useful technique to enhance endurance of the players as it
has showed a positive improvement in cardio respiratory parameters. This technique was also helpful in reducing anxiety