How Breath-Control Can Change Your Life: A Systematic Review on Psycho-Physiological Correlates of Slow Breathing.
Level 1 - systematic review of randomized trials
Systematic review of experimental human studies following PRISMA guidelines.
PubMed 30245619 · doi:10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353
What was done
A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines searched MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases to investigate the psychophysiological mechanisms and effects of slow breathing techniques (<10 breaths/minute) in healthy subjects. Out of 2,461 screened abstracts, 15 studies examining autonomic, central nervous system, and psychological outcomes met eligibility criteria.
What was found
The abstract reports directional outcomes without quantitative effect sizes, variance estimates, or p-values. Slow breathing increased heart rate variability and respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Electroencephalography studies showed increased alpha power and decreased theta power. A single fMRI study showed increased activity in cortical (prefrontal, motor, parietal) and subcortical structures (pons, thalamus, sub-parabrachial nucleus, periaqueductal gray, hypothalamus). Psychological outcomes included increased comfort, relaxation, pleasantness, vigor, and alertness, with decreased arousal, anxiety, depression, anger, and confusion.
Why it matters
This review synthesizes evidence linking voluntary slow breathing to concurrent parasympathetic activation, central oscillatory shifts, and improved affective state in healthy individuals.
Limits
The abstract provides no numerical data or effect sizes. The evidence base is small (15 studies from 2,461 screened), anatomical neuroimaging relies on only a single fMRI study, and findings are restricted strictly to healthy populations.
Cited by
- supports Breathing exercises, such as coherence breathing, increase heart rate variability (HRV).