Breathing Practices for Stress and Anxiety Reduction: Conceptual Framework of Implementation Guidelines Based on a Systematic Review of the Published Literature

Something I have just read: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/13/12/1612
So whilst I wouldn’t say is an easy read for all – this is a meta review, of reviews on breathing practices to help relieve stress and anxiety. Interestingly one of the papers they reviewed found that fast / slow breathing / holds was effective. The conclusions are that over 5 mins practice, not fast breathing only or normal (around 12 breaths pre minute), human guidance (which can be in person or listening to instruction) and a longer practice are likely to lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety.
The relevance for me here is:
1. Reduction of stress via breathing practices is definitely useful in a sporting context, whilst not a defined outcome of the review.
2. The breadth of the analysis / reports reviewed makes it more powerful in supporting the use of breath work to sceptics.
3. Having a clear and balanced commentary (as opposed to shouty noise from Wim Hof) on something that has been easy to dismiss as touchy feely / woowoo is critical in building a more sensible and productive discussion around using less wide stream modalities.