Comparing Guided and Non-guided Deep Breathing Impact on Disability Well-Being: A Systematic Review

Individuals with disabilities confront challenges impacting their well-being and diminishing quality of life (QoL). Deep breathing interventions, both guided and non-guided, have shown potential as components of rehabilitation strategies. However, there is a notable lack of comprehensive comparative research evaluating their effectiveness. This systematic review aims to succinctly summarize existing studies on the impact of guided and non-guided deep breathing interventions on the well-being of individuals with disabilities.

The search focused on English randomized controlled trials (RCTs) studying guided and non-guided deep breathing's impact on adults (≥ 18 years) with disabilities across five databases (PubMed, Scopus, PsycInfo, Cochrane CENTRAL, and ProQuest) until May 2023 and June 2023 (ProQuest only). Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool assessed study quality, extracting intervention details, sample characteristics, and outcomes.

Thirteen RCTs were reviewed; meta-analysis was hindered by study heterogeneity. Eight studies had high bias risks, and four had concerns. QoL significantly improved in the deep breathing group in nine studies, with eight reporting substantial improvement compared to the comparison group. However, methodological flaws and low quality constrained the studies.

Deep breathing effectively enhances well-being, evident in self-reported QoL among individuals with disabilities. Future research should address limitations, incorporating biomarkers, larger sample sizes, diverse gender representation, and disability stages.