Clinical Trial of the Buteyko Method
A clinical trial funded by the Australian Association of Asthma Foundations was conducted in December 1994 - January 1995 through the Mater Hospital (Brisbane). It was conducted by Professor Charles Mitchell and Doctor Simon Bowler. One of the video's authors, Patrick Heinemann was involved in various stages of the Brisbane Clinical Trial. Patrick completed follow-ups with patients during the clinical trial and was involved in the Buteyko Control Group Training program. These contributions were vital to the gathering of statistics over eight months and the eventual results that were achieved. The results were released at the conference for Thoracic Physicians Society in Hobart in March 1, 1995.
To compare the efficacy of the Buteyko Method with the conventional asthma treatment, 49 asthmatics were recruited following a publicity campaign. All individuals gave a convincing history of asthma and were taking significant doses of asthma medication. They were randomly divided into two groups which were stratified by daily bronchodilators use. Before division, medication intake was optimised for one month to minimise usage of bronchodilators. The control group was trained by a physiotherapist in conventional techniques including relaxation, coughing and abdominal breathing techniques. In the Buteyko group the Buteyko method was taught by an experienced Buteyko Practitioner. The trial was 'blind' which means, that neither group was aware of which group they were in.
During the trial asthmatics in both groups were asked to use bronchodilating medication only to overcome asthma symptoms, attempting to minimise bronchodilator usage. Subjects were also required not to change their steroid medication intake during the initial six weeks of the trial. Medication usage, symptoms levels and respiratory parameters were recorded in diary cards for every patient.
At the end of 4 weeks run-in period, at 6 weeks and at 3 months patients from both groups answered a self-administered quality of life questionnaire. Quality of life was estimated accordingly to the impact of asthma on breathing, mood, social, activity and concern for the future.
Results of the Brisbane Clinical Trial
Six Week Results
- Bronchodilator Usage
Buteyko Group: decreased by 90.1% (from 1235 µg to 134µg).
Control Group: decreased by 5% (1029 µg to 987µg).
- Steroid Usage
Buteyko Group: decreased by 12.5% (from 1893µg to 1656µg).
Control Group: remained the same.
- Symptom Scores
Buteyko Group: decreased symptoms by 50%.
Control Group: decreased symptoms by 15%.
- Quality of Life of Asthmatics (mood, breathlessness, impact on social activity)
Buteyko Group: 54% improvement in all areas.
Control Group: 24% deterioration.
Therefore the 6 week summary of the Brisbane Clinical Trial showed that the Buteyko Group used 90.2% less bronchodilations, less inhaled steroids, and had a far greater improvement in the quality of life scores.
Three Month Results
- Bronchodilator Usage
Buteyko Group: maintained decrease of 90%.
Control Group: increased use by 9%.
- Steroid Usage
Buteyko Group: decreased average use by 49%.
Control Group: remained unchanged.
- Symptom Scores
Buteyko Group: 71% improvement.
Control Group: 14% improvement.
This study shows that severe asthmatics, when taught the Buteyko Breathing Method were able to greatly reduce relief medication and steroid medication. This, combined with a huge reduction in symptoms and a great improvement in quality of life scores, validates the physiological basis of the method.