Asthma (Diagnosis)BRASNCT07717476
Comparison of Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing Techniques in Patients With Asthma
A study testing Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing in people with Asthma (Diagnosis), run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that can cause breathing difficulties, reduced lung function, and poor sleep quality. Breathing exercises are increasingly used as non-pharmacological interventions to improve respiratory symptoms and overall well-being in individuals with asthma. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Asthma (Diagnosis)
- What is being tested?
- Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 36 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- Jul 2026to 10 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Male and female patients diagnosed with asthma.
- Age between 18 and 40 years.
- Patients with mild to moderate asthma who are clinically stable.
- Patients able to understand and follow breathing exercise instructions.
- Patients willing to provide informed consent and participate in the study.
Who cannot join
- Patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma.
- Patients with acute asthma exacerbation during the study period.
- Patients with other significant respiratory diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis).
- Patients with severe cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders that may interfere with participation.
- Patients who are pregnant.
- Patients unable to perform the breathing interventions or complete study assessments.
- Patients participating in another structured respiratory rehabilitation or breathing exercise program.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Pakistan1 site
Ittefaq Hospital and Ghurki Trust Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, 59300
Humera Ayub, MS CPPT, +923045938096, humera.ayub@riphah.edu.pk
Ayesha Sehar, MS-CPPT
About this study
Official title: Comparative Effects of Box and Rhythmic Breathing Techniques on Dyspnea, Pulmonary Functions, and Quality of Sleep Among Asthmatic Patients
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that can cause breathing difficulties, reduced lung function, and poor sleep quality. Breathing exercises are increasingly used as non-pharmacological interventions to improve respiratory symptoms and overall well-being in individuals with asthma.
This study aims to compare the effects of two breathing techniques, Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing, on dyspnea (breathlessness), pulmonary function, and quality of sleep in patients with asthma. Participants with asthma will be randomly assigned to receive either Box Breathing or Rhythmic Breathing exercises in addition to standard care. Both interventions will be performed three times per week for eight weeks.
The primary outcomes of this study include changes in dyspnea severity, pulmonary function measured by spirometry, and sleep quality assessed using validated questionnaires. The findings of this study may help determine which breathing technique is more effective and provide evidence for incorporating structured breathing exercises into asthma management programs.
Read the detailed description
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by recurrent episodes of dyspnea, airflow limitation, and impaired quality of life. In addition to respiratory symptoms, many individuals with asthma experience sleep disturbances and reduced functional capacity. Breathing exercises have emerged as important non-pharmacological interventions that may improve respiratory control, autonomic regulation, and symptom perception.
Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing are structured breathing techniques that have shown potential benefits in respiratory rehabilitation. Box Breathing involves a controlled breathing pattern consisting of equal durations of inhalation, breath holding, exhalation, and breath holding. Rhythmic Breathing involves continuous and controlled breathing with a prolonged expiratory phase to promote respiratory efficiency and relaxation. However, limited evidence exists regarding the comparative effectiveness of these techniques in individuals with asthma.
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing on dyspnea, pulmonary function, and sleep quality among patients with asthma. Participants will receive standardized baseline respiratory care followed by either Box Breathing or Rhythmic Breathing interventions for eight weeks. The interventions are designed to improve breathing patterns, reduce breathlessness, enhance pulmonary function, and improve sleep quality.
This study aims to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of structured breathing techniques as adjunctive interventions in asthma management. The findings may contribute to the development of evidence-based respiratory rehabilitation protocols and support the integration of breathing exercises into comprehensive asthma care programs.
- Conditions
- Asthma (Diagnosis)
- Being tested
- Box Breathing, Rhythmic Breathing
- Keywords
- Asthma, Box Breathing, Rhythmic Breathing
- Medical subject headings
- Asthma, Disease
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Box BreathingBehavioural
Participants assigned to the Box Breathing intervention received a structured breathing exercise protocol following standardized baseline respiratory care. The Box Breathing technique consisted of inhalation for 4 seconds, breath holding for 4 seconds, exhalation for 4 seconds, and a second breath hold for 4 seconds (4-4-4-4 pattern). The intervention was administered for 20 minutes per session, three sessions per week, for eight weeks. Short rest periods were permitted after every 5-6 breathing cycles as needed. The intervention was performed in a quiet environment and aimed to improve respiratory control, reduce dyspnea, enhance ventilatory efficiency, and promote autonomic regulation.
Rhythmic BreathingBehavioural
Participants assigned to the Rhythmic Breathing intervention received a structured breathing exercise protocol following standardized baseline respiratory care. The Rhythmic Breathing technique consisted of a controlled breathing pattern using a 4:6 ratio, with inhalation through the nose for 4 seconds and exhalation through the mouth for 6 seconds. The intervention was administered for 20 minutes per session, three sessions per week, for eight weeks. Short rest periods were provided every 6-7 minutes as needed. The intervention was designed to promote respiratory efficiency, improve autonomic balance, reduce dyspnea, and enhance pulmonary function and sleep quality.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Box Breathing Group A | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm received standardized baseline respiratory care followed by Box Breathing training. The Box Breathing technique consisted of inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 4 seconds, exhaling for 4 seconds, and holding the breath again for 4 seconds. The intervention was performed for 20 minutes per session, three sessions per week, for eight weeks. Short rest periods were provided as needed during the intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Box Breathing |
| Rhythmic Breathing Group | Experimental | Participants assigned to this arm received standardized baseline respiratory care followed by Rhythmic Breathing training. The Rhythmic Breathing technique consisted of a controlled breathing pattern using a 4:6 ratio, with inhalation through the nose for 4 seconds and exhalation through the mouth for 6 seconds. The intervention was performed for 20 minutes per session, three sessions per week, for eight weeks. Short rest periods were provided as needed during the intervention. Receives: Behavioral: Rhythmic Breathing |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Dyspnea Severity
Dyspnea severity will be assessed using the Modified Borg Scale, a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 10, where higher scores indicate greater perceived breathlessness.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Secondary outcomes (2)
Pulmonary Function (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second [FEV₁])
Pulmonary function will be assessed using spirometry. Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁) will be used to evaluate changes in lung function following the intervention.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Sleep Quality
Sleep quality will be assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), a validated questionnaire measuring subjective sleep quality over the previous month. Lower scores indicate better sleep quality.
Measured: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Jul 2026
- Study startJul 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion10 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion10 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Asthma (Diagnosis)Studies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Riphah International UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a parallel-group design to one of two intervention arms: Box Breathing or Rhythmic Breathing. Both groups received standardized baseline respiratory care followed by their assigned breathing intervention three times per week for eight weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period by a blinded assessor.
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Humera Ayub, MS-CPPT, Principal investigator, Riphah International University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07717476
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- REC/RCR & AHS/25/0315
- Acronym
- BRAS
- Status last verified
- Jul 2026
- First submitted
- 17 Jul 2026
- Last updated
- 21 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: Individual participant data (IPD) collected during this study will not be made publicly available. The decision not to share IPD is based on the need to protect participant privacy and confidentiality, as the informed consent process did not include provisions for public data sharing. Only aggregate and de-identified study findings will be reported and published.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 21 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparative Effects of Box and Rhythmic Breathing Techniques on Dyspnea, Pulmonary Functions, and Quality of Sleep Among Asthmatic Patients
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07717476
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- BRAS / REC/RCR & AHS/25/0315
- Conditions
- Asthma (Diagnosis)
- Keywords
- Asthma, Box Breathing, Rhythmic Breathing
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 36 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Riphah International UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- Jul 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 10 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 10 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 21 Jul 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that can cause breathing difficulties, reduced lung function, and poor sleep quality. Breathing exercises are increasingly used as non-pharmacological interventions to improve respiratory symptoms and overall well-being in individuals with asthma.
This study aims to compare the effects of two breathing techniques, Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing, on dyspnea (breathlessness), pulmonary function, and quality of sleep in patients with asthma. Participants with asthma will be randomly assigned to receive either Box Breathing or Rhythmic Breathing exercises in addition to standard care. Both interventions will be performed three times per week for eight weeks.
The primary outcomes of this study include changes in dyspnea severity, pulmonary function measured by spirometry, and sleep quality assessed using validated questionnaires. The findings of this study may help determine which breathing technique is more effective and provide evidence for incorporating structured breathing exercises into asthma management programs.
Detailed description
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease characterized by recurrent episodes of dyspnea, airflow limitation, and impaired quality of life. In addition to respiratory symptoms, many individuals with asthma experience sleep disturbances and reduced functional capacity. Breathing exercises have emerged as important non-pharmacological interventions that may improve respiratory control, autonomic regulation, and symptom perception.
Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing are structured breathing techniques that have shown potential benefits in respiratory rehabilitation. Box Breathing involves a controlled breathing pattern consisting of equal durations of inhalation, breath holding, exhalation, and breath holding. Rhythmic Breathing involves continuous and controlled breathing with a prolonged expiratory phase to promote respiratory efficiency and relaxation. However, limited evidence exists regarding the comparative effectiveness of these techniques in individuals with asthma.
The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing on dyspnea, pulmonary function, and sleep quality among patients with asthma. Participants will receive standardized baseline respiratory care followed by either Box Breathing or Rhythmic Breathing interventions for eight weeks. The interventions are designed to improve breathing patterns, reduce breathlessness, enhance pulmonary function, and improve sleep quality.
This study aims to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of structured breathing techniques as adjunctive interventions in asthma management. The findings may contribute to the development of evidence-based respiratory rehabilitation protocols and support the integration of breathing exercises into comprehensive asthma care programs.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants were randomly assigned in a parallel-group design to one of two intervention arms: Box Breathing or Rhythmic Breathing. Both groups received standardized baseline respiratory care followed by their assigned breathing intervention three times per week for eight weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention period by a blinded assessor.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Box Breathing Group A | Experimental | Behavioral: Box BreathingParticipants assigned to this arm received standardized baseline respiratory care followed by Box Breathing training. The Box Breathing technique consisted of inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 4 seconds, exhaling for 4 seconds, and holding the breath again for 4 seconds. The intervention was performed for 20 minutes per session, three sessions per week, for eight weeks. Short rest periods were provided as needed during the intervention. |
| Rhythmic Breathing Group | Experimental | Behavioral: Rhythmic BreathingParticipants assigned to this arm received standardized baseline respiratory care followed by Rhythmic Breathing training. The Rhythmic Breathing technique consisted of a controlled breathing pattern using a 4:6 ratio, with inhalation through the nose for 4 seconds and exhalation through the mouth for 6 seconds. The intervention was performed for 20 minutes per session, three sessions per week, for eight weeks. Short rest periods were provided as needed during the intervention. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Male and female patients diagnosed with asthma.
- Age between 18 and 40 years.
- Patients with mild to moderate asthma who are clinically stable.
- Patients able to understand and follow breathing exercise instructions.
- Patients willing to provide informed consent and participate in the study.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Patients with severe or uncontrolled asthma.
- Patients with acute asthma exacerbation during the study period.
- Patients with other significant respiratory diseases (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis).
- Patients with severe cardiovascular, neurological, or musculoskeletal disorders that may interfere with participation.
- Patients who are pregnant.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Box BreathingParticipants assigned to the Box Breathing intervention received a structured breathing exercise protocol following standardized baseline respiratory care. The Box Breathing technique consisted of inhalation for 4 seconds, breath holding for 4 seconds, exhalation for 4 seconds, and a second breath hold for 4 seconds (4-4-4-4 pattern). The intervention was administered for 20 minutes per session, three sessions per week, for eight weeks. Short rest periods were permitted after every 5-6 breathing cycles as needed. The intervention was performed in a quiet environment and aimed to improve respiratory control, reduce dyspnea, enhance ventilatory efficiency, and promote autonomic regulation. | Behavioural | Box Breathing Group A |
| Rhythmic BreathingParticipants assigned to the Rhythmic Breathing intervention received a structured breathing exercise protocol following standardized baseline respiratory care. The Rhythmic Breathing technique consisted of a controlled breathing pattern using a 4:6 ratio, with inhalation through the nose for 4 seconds and exhalation through the mouth for 6 seconds. The intervention was administered for 20 minutes per session, three sessions per week, for eight weeks. Short rest periods were provided every 6-7 minutes as needed. The intervention was designed to promote respiratory efficiency, improve autonomic balance, reduce dyspnea, and enhance pulmonary function and sleep quality. | Behavioural | Rhythmic Breathing Group |
Primary outcome
Dyspnea Severity
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Dyspnea severity will be assessed using the Modified Borg Scale, a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 10, where higher scores indicate greater perceived breathlessness.
2 secondary outcomes
Pulmonary Function (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second [FEV₁])
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Sleep Quality
Time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 21 Jul 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. Individual participant data (IPD) collected during this study will not be made publicly available. The decision not to share IPD is based on the need to protect participant privacy and confidentiality, as the informed consent process did not include provisions for public data sharing. Only aggregate and de-identified study findings will be reported and published.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Humera Ayub, MS-CPPT principal investigator
Riphah International University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Box Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing in people with Asthma (Diagnosis), run by Riphah International University at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 21 Jul 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Humera Ayub, MS CPPT (+923045938096, humera.ayub@riphah.edu.pk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Dyspnea Severity (time frame: Baseline and 8 weeks (post-intervention)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 21 Jul 2026.