Key Takeaway
Diaphragmatic breathing significantly reduced cortisol levels and improved sustained attention compared to a control group.
Summary
This study investigated the effects of diaphragmatic breathing training on stress hormones and cognitive function. Participants were trained in slow, deep diaphragmatic breathing and practiced daily for several weeks.
The intervention group showed significantly reduced salivary cortisol levels compared to controls, indicating lower physiological stress. Additionally, they demonstrated improved performance on sustained attention tasks.
These findings demonstrate that breathing training can produce measurable changes in both stress biology and cognitive performance.
Methods
- Randomized controlled design
- Diaphragmatic breathing training vs control
- Measured salivary cortisol before and after intervention
- Assessed sustained attention performance
- Multi-week intervention period
Key Results
- Significant cortisol reduction in breathing group
- Improved sustained attention scores
- Effects persisted after training period
- Control group showed no changes
Limitations
- Relatively small sample size
- Specific breathing protocol may not generalize
- Self-practice compliance variable
- Short-term follow-up