Buteyko Breathing Technique for Exertion-Induced Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (EI-PVFM)

By: Katz D.H., Sella O., Golan H., Banai K., Van Swearingen J., Krisciunas G.P., Abbott K.V.
Published in: Journal of Voice
SDGs : SDG 03  |  Units: Social Welfare & Health Sciences  | Time: 2021 |  Link
Description: Purpose: The primary purpose of the current study was to determine the usefulness of Buteyko breathing technique (BBT) i n reducing dyspnea in patients with one form of Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion (PVFM), exertion-induced PVFM (EI-PVFM), concomitant with hyperventilation. The secondary purpose was to determine whether BBT had an effect on physiological markers of hyperventilation, as speculated by BBT theory: respiratory tidal minute volume (RTMV), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), and resting heart rate (HR). Methods: Using a within-subjects, repeated measures group design, 12 participants with EI-PVFM and hyperventilation underwent 12 weeks of BBT, following an initial no-treatment control condition. Outcome measures of PVFM—dyspnea frequency and severity—and of hyperventilation—HR, RTMV, and ETCO2—were acquired pre- and post-treatment. Results: Results showed post-treatment decreases in dyspnea severity, HR, and RTMV, as well as increases in ETCO2. Decreases in dyspnea and RTMV measures remained after correction for alpha inflation. Conclusions: Findings suggest BBT may be useful for some individuals with EI-PVFM and hyperventilation. The high prevalence of hyperventilation in EI-PVFM found in the current study warrants further investigation. © 2019 The Voice Foundation