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Using Slow-Paced Breathing to Foster Endurance, Well-Being, and Sleep Quality in Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Borges, U., Lobinger, B., Javelle, F., Watson, M., Mosley, E. and Laborde, S., 2021. Using Slow-Paced Breathing to Foster Endurance, Well-Being, and Sleep Quality in Athletes During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12, 624655.

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DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.624655

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been causing major disruptions in the sporting world. Negative physiological and psychological effects on athletes have been reported, such as respiratory issues and increased stress. Therefore, it is timely to support this population by presenting cost-effective and accessible intervention techniques to reduce this impact. Slow-paced breathing (SPB) has the potential to counteract many of the detrimental effects of COVID-19 that can directly affect sports performance. In this article, we present and justify the use of SPB in athletes by focusing on three key outcomes, namely aerobic endurance performance, emotional well-being, and sleep quality. We examine the physiological mechanisms that underpin these three outcomes and review literature showing that SPB can activate anti-inflammatory pathways, increase lung capacity and, in turn, improve aerobic endurance, emotional well-being, and sleep quality. We conclude that interventions using SPB can have preventive and rehabilitative properties for athletes. Future studies should empirically test the potential of SPB to help this specific population.

Item Type:Article
ISSN:1664-1078
Uncontrolled Keywords:HRV; biofeedback; cardiac vagal activity; cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway; cytokine storm; lung inflammation; mental health
Group:Faculty of Health & Social Sciences
ID Code:38160
Deposited By: Symplectic RT2
Deposited On:09 Feb 2023 07:49
Last Modified:09 Feb 2023 07:49

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