The Effect of a Deep Breathing Regimen on Anxiety Levels in Adults
Event Type
Presentation
Start Date
12-1-2019 9:00 AM
End Date
12-1-2019 12:00 PM
Description
Previous research has shown that mindfulness techniques, including deep breathing, may decrease anxiety levels. Lifestyle changes, such as a yoga regimen in conjunction with deep breathing, have been linked to reduction in anxiety levels. Deep breathing exercises focused on relaxation decrease sympathetic nervous system activity, which is associated with reduced stress levels. This study aims to examine the link between a deep breathing regimen and anxiety levels in adults and expand on the research that has, thus far, affirmed the positive effect of mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, on anxiety. This pilot study included 34 occupational therapy student participants with a mean age of 25.47 years (±0.814), 17 in the control group and 17 in the experimental group. Participants in the experimental group completed a deep breathing relaxation regimen (DBRR) for approximately 21 days, twice a day, for five-minute sessions. Preintervention and post-intervention testing was conducted using the State subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S). Data analysis using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) showed a trend toward a reduction in self-reported anxiety (p=0.085). Further research should be conducted to investigate the use of alternative, holistic interventions for anxiety.
Recommended Citation
Estes, R., Randolph, C., Rapalyea, M., Riddick, E., & Shabat, D. (2019), The Effect of a Deep Breathing Regimen on Anxiety Levels in Adults, Presentation, Fifth Annual Research Colloquium, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/ot_colloquium/fifth/events/3
The Effect of a Deep Breathing Regimen on Anxiety Levels in Adults
Previous research has shown that mindfulness techniques, including deep breathing, may decrease anxiety levels. Lifestyle changes, such as a yoga regimen in conjunction with deep breathing, have been linked to reduction in anxiety levels. Deep breathing exercises focused on relaxation decrease sympathetic nervous system activity, which is associated with reduced stress levels. This study aims to examine the link between a deep breathing regimen and anxiety levels in adults and expand on the research that has, thus far, affirmed the positive effect of mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, on anxiety. This pilot study included 34 occupational therapy student participants with a mean age of 25.47 years (±0.814), 17 in the control group and 17 in the experimental group. Participants in the experimental group completed a deep breathing relaxation regimen (DBRR) for approximately 21 days, twice a day, for five-minute sessions. Preintervention and post-intervention testing was conducted using the State subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S). Data analysis using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) showed a trend toward a reduction in self-reported anxiety (p=0.085). Further research should be conducted to investigate the use of alternative, holistic interventions for anxiety.