There is no standard agreed definition for ‘performance’ in sport. In the field of exercise and sport psychology, it is well known that psychological skills training (PST) programs have been shown to positively affect performance across various sports and levels of competition. Psychological training strategies can enhance a sport person’s focus, confidence, composure and mental preparation, resulting in improved sports performance.

Some psychologists talk about ‘the zone of optimal functioning’. This refers to an optimal level of arousal which results in better integration of mental and physical processes and superior performance. When a sports person enters the zone of optimal functioning, they tend to have their very best (peak) performances.

What is less well known is that the Buteyko Breathing Method has been shown to improve sports performance by increasing the efficiency of respiration, therefore improving the supply of oxygen to tissues and vital organs during exercise.

Chronic hyperventilation (over breathing) is common amongst sports people. Its consequences include:

• Compromised oxygen exchange

• Increased production of lactic acid and residual muscle soreness

• Reduced stamina

• Increased occurrence of cramp

• Increased dehydration

• Increased recovery time

• Increased anxiety

• Elevated heart rate

• Increased likelihood of poor sleeping patterns

• Decreased energy levels

The exercises taught as part of the Buteyko Method serve to normalise the breathing pattern. When a sports person’s body is working within its physiologically normal parameters, it can work at increased levels of performance. Stamina and endurance are maximised and all of the above are reversed. Sports people have found that once they have corrected their breathing pattern with Buteyko, they can achieve improved performance. The physiological mechanisms which underlie this include the following:

• Normal levels of carbon dioxide are restored and maintained for longer periods while exercising.

• Blood vessels and bronchioles remain dilated

• Oxygen release from the haemoglobin increases and there is less lactic acid build up

• Sports people do not tire as quickly, have less breathing problems, and the heart is not put under so much strain

• Sports people are able to perform aerobic type activity for a longer period with faster recovery times

This enables them to increase the intensity of their training programs with the result being improved sport performance.

Buteyko Breathing Clinics (Dublin and County Wicklow)