Comparison of Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing Techniques in Patients With Asthma

NCT07717476 · Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 36

Last updated 2026-07-21

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that can cause breathing difficulties, reduced lung function, and poor sleep quality. Breathing exercises are increasingly used as non-pharmacological interventions to improve respiratory symptoms and overall well-being in individuals with asthma.

This study aims to compare the effects of two breathing techniques, Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing, on dyspnea (breathlessness), pulmonary function, and quality of sleep in patients with asthma. Participants with asthma will be randomly assigned to receive either Box Breathing or Rhythmic Breathing exercises in addition to standard care. Both interventions will be performed three times per week for eight weeks.

The primary outcomes of this study include changes in dyspnea severity, pulmonary function measured by spirometry, and sleep quality assessed using validated questionnaires. The findings of this study may help determine which breathing technique is more effective and provide evidence for incorporating structured breathing exercises into asthma management programs.

Conditions

  • Asthma (Diagnosis)

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Box Breathing

Participants assigned to the Box Breathing intervention received a structured breathing exercise protocol following standardized baseline respiratory care. The Box Breathing technique consisted of inhalation for 4 seconds, breath holding for 4 seconds, exhalation for 4 seconds, and a second breath hold for 4 seconds (4-4-4-4 pattern). The intervention was administered for 20 minutes per session, three sessions per week, for eight weeks. Short rest periods were permitted after every 5-6 breathing cycles as needed. The intervention was performed in a quiet environment and aimed to improve respiratory control, reduce dyspnea, enhance ventilatory efficiency, and promote autonomic regulation.

BEHAVIORAL

Rhythmic Breathing

Participants assigned to the Rhythmic Breathing intervention received a structured breathing exercise protocol following standardized baseline respiratory care. The Rhythmic Breathing technique consisted of a controlled breathing pattern using a 4:6 ratio, with inhalation through the nose for 4 seconds and exhalation through the mouth for 6 seconds. The intervention was administered for 20 minutes per session, three sessions per week, for eight weeks. Short rest periods were provided every 6-7 minutes as needed. The intervention was designed to promote respiratory efficiency, improve autonomic balance, reduce dyspnea, and enhance pulmonary function and sleep quality.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • Riphah International University

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Humera Ayub, MS-CPPT · Riphah International University

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Max Age
40 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2026-07-31
Primary Completion
2026-12-10
Completion
2026-12-10

Countries

  • Pakistan

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT07717476 on ClinicalTrials.gov