REFERENCE: Fincham et al. (2023). Effect of breathwork on stress and mental health: A Meta-Analysis of RCTs. Nature Sci Rep, 13, 432
RESEARCH QUESTION: Does breathwork lower stress, depression and anxiety?
STUDY DESIGN: Meta-Analysis Study Design. Review of 12 Studies – 10 using a Slow Paced Breath Protocol, and 2 using a Fast Paced Breath Protocol
FINDINGS:
- Slow breathwork had a significant effect on self-reported stress, heart rate variability and anxiety.
- There was no significant effect for fast-paced breathing.
- There was only a small to medium effect on anxiety and depression
CONCLUSION:
Breathwork is a safe, low cost strategy that can significantly reduce self-reported stress as well as objective stress as measured by heart rate variability be used anywhere anytime to manage stress.
