ABSTRACT

Background: Strelnikova breathing exercises, originally developed as a vocal training technique in Russia, have gained attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic benefits in respiratory health, stress reduction, and overall physical well-being.

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the benefits and challenges of Strelnikova breathing exercises, focusing on their impact on respiratory health, psychological well-being, and potential therapeutic applications.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted across electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Scopus, to identify studies on Strelnikova breathing exercises from January 2000 to December 2023. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and systematic reviews. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results: A total of 25 studies (15 RCTs and 10 observational studies) revealed that Strelnikova exercises significantly improved respiratory parameters such as forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and vital capacity (VC). Participants also reported reduced levels of anxiety and stress. Benefits were observed in managing conditions like asthma and COPD, though challenges included inconsistent adherence, varied protocols, and limited long-term follow-up studies to confirm sustained benefits.

Conclusion: Strelnikova breathing exercises demonstrate significant potential in enhancing respiratory health and promoting psychological well-being, making them a valuable complementary therapy.

Keywords: Strelnikova breathing exercises, respiratory therapy, mental health, non-pharmacological intervention, systematic review.