IMMEDIATE EFFECTS OF STRUCTURED DEEP BREATHING ON CARDIOVASCULAR FUNCTION, AUTONOMIC REGULATION, AND PERCEIVED STRESS IN HEALTHY ADULTS
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Keywords
Deep breathing, Heart rate variability, Blood pressure, Respiratory rate, Oxygen saturation, Perceived stress, Autonomic balance, Healthy adults
Abstract
Background: Deep breathing exercises are a simple, non-pharmacological technique shown to enhance autonomic balance, improve cardiovascular function, and reduce psychological stress. However, evidence on the acute effects of short-term, structured deep breathing in healthy adults remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of short-term deep breathing exercises on heart rate variability, blood pressure, respiratory function, oxygen saturation, and perceived stress.
Methods: A total of 100 healthy adults were randomly assigned to two groups: a Control group (n = 50; no specific intervention) and an Experimental group (n = 50; performed a standardized deep breathing protocol). Physiological parameters including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, heart rate variability (RMSSD), respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation were measured at baseline and post-intervention. Psychological stress was assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Independent and paired t-tests were used for between- and within-group comparisons, respectively, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results: At baseline, both groups were comparable across all parameters. Following the intervention, the experimental group demonstrated significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (–5.28 mmHg, p = 0.0045), diastolic blood pressure (–4.06 mmHg, p = 0.0025), heart rate (–4.28 bpm, p = 0.023), and respiratory rate (–2.03 breaths/min, p < 0.0001). Heart rate variability improved markedly (RMSSD: +8.39 ms, p = 0.0001), and oxygen saturation increased (+0.93%, p < 0.0001). A significant reduction in perceived stress was also observed (–4.79 points, p < 0.0001). No significant changes were found in the control group.
Conclusion: Short-term deep breathing exercises produced measurable improvements in cardiovascular regulation, autonomic balance, respiratory efficiency, and psychological well-being among healthy adults. These findings highlight the potential of brief, structured deep breathing as an effective, low-cost, and accessible strategy for promoting holistic health in everyday life.
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Mallipeddi Kalyani
Professor, Department of Physiology, Government Medical College, Khammam, Telangana. India.
Jyothi Ashok Kumar
Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, Government Medical College, Khammam, Telangana. India.
Praveen Kumar Panuganti
Assistant Professor, Department of Anatomy, S V S Medical College. Mahabub Nagar, Telangana, India