The effect of the buteyko breathing technique on fatigue, exercise capacity, and asthma control in patients with asthma: a randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the buteyko breathing technique on fatigue, exercise capacity, and asthma control in patients with asthma. This randomized controlled pretest–posttest study was conducted between October 2024 and June 2025 in the outpatient clinic of a university hospital’s Department of Pulmonary Diseases. Ninety patients with asthma were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 45) or a control group (n = 45); the study was completed with 85 participants after five withdrawals. The intervention group received training and exercises based on the Buteyko breathing technique, while the control group continued routine medical treatment. Data were collected using the six-minute walk test, pulmonary function test parameters, the Fatigue Scale, and the Asthma Control Test. Baseline measurements showed no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). After the intervention, the six-minute walk distance increased significantly in the intervention group (p = 0.010), along with improvements in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) and the FEV₁/FVC ratio (p < 0.05). Fatigue scores decreased significantly, and asthma control test scores increased markedly in the intervention group (p = 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the control group, and no adverse events were reported. The buteyko breathing technique improves exercise capacity, reduces fatigue, and enhances asthma control in patients with asthma. As a safe and low-cost intervention, it may be considered a useful adjunct to standard asthma management. This randomised controlled trial used the CONSORT guidelines. No Patient or Public Contribution.