[Pilot study of breathing therapy in groups for patients with bronchial asthma].

Background: The present study examines the efficacy of breathing and body therapy (according to the organization of breathing therapists, BVA) on bronchial asthma. This psychophysical therapy procedure has never before been studied for its efficacy on asthma, much in contrast to breathing exercises, which have been extensively examined.

Patients and methods: This uncontrolled observational study is of preliminary character. It examines the influence of psychophysical breathing and body exercises practiced in short-term intervention groups on quality of life (SF-36) as well as subjective discomfort (discomfort diary) in patients with bronchial asthma. As there are no prior studies on the breathing and body therapy (BVA) method, it was hypothesized, based on experience, that it would improve ventilation, lower anxiety, and perhaps even allow for a reduction of medication.

Results: An anti-obstructive effect could not be addressed here, as the study only included patients who were free of clinically relevant obstructions through conventional treatment. However, a tendency for an anxiety-relieving effect could be observed in the SF-36. Subjective reports of respiratory discomfort, obtained through assessment of the patients' diaries, did not show any tendencies or even significant changes over the course of the therapy.

Conclusion: The suggested anxiety-relieving effect of breathing therapy should be examined in future studies with more patients and stricter inclusion criteria.