Source

Jill McGowan, Education and training consultant in Asthma Management.
Thorax vol 58, suppl iii, page 28, December 2003

Background

Anecdotal evidence suggests that the Buteyko Institute Method of Breathing Retraining can reduce asthma symptoms, medication and improve quality of life. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of this method for individuals being treated for asthma.

Methods

600 adult patients aged between 18 and 69 years diagnosed and currently treated asthma with a symptom score > 1 per day were recruited to a randomized blinded controlled trial. This tested active Buteyko (Group 1) with asthma nurse education (Group 2) and continued medication control (Group 3). The main outcome measures were quality of life (SF36), activity, asthma symptoms, and medication reduction. Asthma symptoms and activity were measured by diary card scoring from 0-3.

Results

Of all who commenced study, data were available on 500 after 6 months, 384 after 12 months, and 384 after 24 months.

The participants involved all experienced significant improvement in asthma with a reduction in symptoms and medication, and an improvement in quality of life. This was maintained over the duration of the study and is similar to the results of Brisbane Study (Bowler S 1998 BMU) and unpublished study by Dr G Spence G.P. in Shettleston Health Centre (Spence. G.).

Asthma Symptoms

Buteyko Group — decreased by 98%, 6 months and remained same at 12 months.
Placebo and Control Groups — no significant change.

Reliever Medication

Buteyko Group — decreased by 98%, 6 months, and remained same at 12 months.
Placebo and Control Groups — no significant change.

Preventer Medication

Buteyko Group — decreased by 92%, 6 months and remained same 12 months.
Placebo and Control Groups — no significant change.

Reliever Oral Preparations

Buteyko Group — decreased by 100%, 6 months and remained same at 12 months.
Placebo and Control Groups — no significant change.

Preventer Oral Preparations

Buteyko Group — decreased by 96%, 6 months and remained same at 12 months.

Placebo and Control Groups — no significant change.

Instance of cold or viral infection

Buteyko Group — decreased by 20%, 6 months and remained same at 12 months,
Placebo and Control Groups — no significant change.