Breathing is primarily an automated process regulated by factors such as oxygen demand (e.g., increased physical activity), emotional state (e.g., stress or anxiety), and environmental conditions (e.g., high altitude). However, unlike most other automated bodily processes, breathing can be consciously controlled. There are various ways to modify normal respiration, including adjusting breath frequency, depth, inhalation-exhalation ratio, utilizing nose or mouth breathing, incorporating resistance during inhalation and exhalation, and duration of the exercise.

Changes in respiration can have an acute impact on heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output. Moreover, targeted breathing interventions have been shown to reduce resting blood pressure and improve long-term mental health effectively. Previous studies have employed diverse study designs, making it challenging to quantify the physiological and psychological effects of breathing exercises precisely.

This Methods collection aims to offer an overview of standardized breathing interventions and assessments used in human physiology research to enhance consistency and repeatability across studies.