- Multiple studies have reported on the possibility that breathing exercises may reduce feelings of anxiety.
- The evidence score is 56, and reliability is considered moderate.
- This information is relevant to adults who experience feelings of anxiety or stress.
A breathing exercise refers to the act of consciously controlling one's breathing pattern.
It is positioned as one of the methods used in the context of stress management.
There are research reports suggesting a possible link between practicing breathing exercises and a reduction in feelings of anxiety.
This examination involved a survey of adults. Specifically, it is a framework that gathers and confirms the results of multiple past studies. In other words, this is an attempt to capture not just individual instances but a broad trend.
This method is called a systematic review (a method that gathers multiple study results and organizes and summarizes their quality and content). It is used to comprehensively check existing knowledge on a specific topic. In other words, it can be described as a bird's-eye view of the flow of research to date.
It has been shown that deep, slow breathing may help ease a state of anxiety.
In a small-scale study of 47 people (a study of a specific, limited group of participants), people spanning a wide range of ages, from young people to older adults, took part. This study examined what kind of changes deep breathing brings about in mind and body. In other words, it explores the possibility of an effect regardless of generation.
The study design is classified as "other" (other methods). This means it was conducted in a framework different from a standard experimental format. In other words, it can be considered to have looked in detail at responses under specific conditions.
The reliability of the information presented in this article is considered moderate, based on an evidence score of 56. In other words, this means that while there is a basis in research, it is not yet at a level of certainty sufficient to settle a conclusion.
There are also several limitations in the content of the research. For example, the number of randomized controlled trials (a method considered highly reliable, in which participants are randomly divided into groups to compare effects) in this data was 0. In other words, as verification results under more rigorous conditions accumulate further, the certainty of the information will increase.
The results of this research do not guarantee that the same will be true for everyone. It may not suit some people, and some people will not experience an effect.
| Study | Design | Number of participants | Duration | Main result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scientific Reports (2021, PMID:34588511) | Other study design | 47 people | Unknown | A positive effect was reported |
| Journal of Holistic Nursing: Official Journal of the American Holistic Nurses' Association (2025, PMID:39150318) | Systematic review | Unknown | Unknown | A positive effect was reported |
The study subjects included 47 people, ranging from young people to older adults, as well as adults.
Since a wide range of age groups is included among the subjects, this can serve as a reference point for checking whether the content applies to you.
This report is based on 2 studies.
The study designs include a systematic review and one using other methods.
No randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies are included.
What effect on feelings of anxiety has breathing exercise been reported to have?
Studies have been reported showing that breathing exercise has a positive effect on feelings of anxiety. Some of these have been assessed as having moderate reliability.
Is breathing exercise also effective for stress?
In a systematic review of adults, there is a report that breathing exercise is effective in reducing stress. This is something addressed in the context of stress management.
What age groups have been studied for breathing exercise?
Studies have been conducted on adults, including both young people and older adults. The subjects span a wide range of ages.
There are 2 research reports showing that breathing exercise has a positive effect on feelings of anxiety, and reliability is moderate. The evidence score is 56, and this is also a stage where more rigorous verification is awaited. It may not suit everyone, but try the self-check assessment to get a sense of your own state.