Effects of breathing exercises on functional breathing in primary school children: a pilot study
Keywords:
functional breathing, breathing retraining, Oxygen Advantage, BOLT score, breath-hold capacity, primary school childrenAbstract
Functional breathing has gained increasing attention due to its potential role in respiratory health, physical performance, and overall well-being in children. Recent evidence suggests that breathing interventions focused on nasal breathing and breath control may improve respiratory efficiency and carbon dioxide tolerance. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate changes in functional breathing following an Oxygen Advantage breathing exercise program in fourth-grade primary school children. The study involved seven fourth-grade pupils (2 boys and 5 girls) aged 9–10 years from a primary school in Skýcov, Slovakia. A longitudinal single-group intervention design was employed. Functional breathing was assessed using the Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT score) and the Maximum Breath Hold Test (MBT). Measurements were performed once per month during a ten-month intervention period from September 2024 to June 2025. The breathing program was based on the principles of the Oxygen Advantage method and was incorporated into regular physical education lessons. Positive changes were observed in both monitored variables. The mean BOLT score increased from 10.57 ± 1.72 s to 14.16 ± 1.49 s (+33.9%), while the mean MBT increased from 35.57 ± 11.28 to 48.29 ± 18.15 steps (+35.8%). Linear mixed-effects modeling revealed a significant increase in BOLT score over time (B = 0.35, p = 0.001). Similarly, MBT improved significantly throughout the intervention period, with an average increase of 2.50 steps between consecutive measurements (p < 0.001). The findings suggest that a school-based Oxygen Advantage breathing program may contribute to improvements in functional breathing among primary school children.
