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. 2022 Oct 7:1-13.
doi: 10.1007/s12144-022-03739-y. Online ahead of print.

The positive effects of combined breathing techniques and cold exposure on perceived stress: a randomised trial

Cristopher Siegfried Kopplin  1 , Louisa Rosenthal  2
Affiliations

The positive effects of combined breathing techniques and cold exposure on perceived stress: a randomised trial

Cristopher Siegfried Kopplin et al. Curr Psychol. .

Abstract

A pranayama-inspired breathing technique, cold exposure, and their combined application were assessed for their potential to reduce perceived stress in adults and compared to a control group. An experiment involving four groups was conducted, yielding separate cells for breathing technique-only and cold exposure-only, as well as a combined treatment and a control group. Eighty-six individuals participated in the study. Perceived stress is measured employing the 10-item version of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the 20-item version of the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ). The instruments exhibit a substantial correlation (r = 0.842, p < 0.001). The combined group exhibited a medium to large positive effect on perceived stress compared to the control group. The breathing technique and cold exposure on their own were not found to yield substantial effects, indicating synergies between both exercises. Combinations of breathing techniques and cold exposure may be employed to decrease individuals' perceived stress.

Keywords: Breathing technique; Cold exposure; Perceived stress.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interestOn behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
WHM breathing technique
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Results for PSS-10
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Results for PSQ
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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