Studia Kinanthropologica 2025, 26(1):23-30 | DOI: 10.32725/sk.2025.005

The effect of the Buteyko method on resting spirometry in an active population

T. Loosová, E. Vrzalová, & L. Počtová
Jihočeská univerzita v Českých Budějovicích, Pedagogická fakulta, Katedra tělesné výchovy a sportu

Buteyko method is well-known for its techniques of conscious breath control, which focus on improving respiratory system function. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the Buteyko method on resting spirometry in an active population. Participants in the study were students of the University of South Bohemia (n = 22, age = 23.23 ± 2.39 years; weight = 73.23 ± 12.33 kg; height = 174.72 ± 9.76 cm), who were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 11) or control (n = 11) group. The intervention group underwent a six-week breathing exercise program based on the Buteyko method, which included reduced breathing and breath-holding during walking. The control group did not perform any breathing exercises. Spirometric values, including FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC, were measured before and after the intervention for all participants. The results showed a slight decrease in FVC in the intervention group by 3.33 % from 5.29 ± 0.98 l to 5.10 ± 0.99 l, with no statistical or practical significance (p = 0,85; ηp2 = 0,0009). Changes in FEV1 in the intervention group were minimal (from 4.35 ± 0.87 l·s−1 to 4.32 ± 0.74 l·s−1), as were those in the control group (from 4.19 ± 0.76 l·s−1 to 4.20 ± 0.74 l·s−1), with no practical or statistical significance (p = 0,93; ηp2 = 0,0001). The FEV1/FVC ratio slightly increased in both groups, but this increase was not statistically significant (p = 0,73; ηp2 = 0,002). The results suggest that the six-week Buteyko method intervention did not have a significant impact on changes in spirometric parameters in an active population.

Keywords: Buteyko; breathing; spirometry; intervention; method

Received: March 3, 2025; Revised: March 16, 2025; Accepted: March 17, 2025; Published: May 12, 2025  Show citation

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Loosová T, Vrzalová E, & Počtová L. The effect of the Buteyko method on resting spirometry in an active population. Studia Kinanthropologica. 2025;26(1):23-30. doi: 10.32725/sk.2025.005.
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