Researchers conducted a trial involving 98 student paramedics from two Australian universities. The group practicing the A52 Breath Method performed a specific breathing routine twice a day for 12 weeks, while the control group received no specific intervention. The breathing practice involved inhaling for five seconds, holding for two, and exhaling for five seconds, guided by audio and video instructions.
After the 12-week period, students in the breathing group reported significantly lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to the control group. They also reported higher resilience scores. The study did not report any serious safety concerns or adverse events during the trial period.
It is important to note that some participants stopped the study early, which can affect how results are interpreted. The breathing method did not show significant improvements for insomnia or psychological wellbeing. Readers should understand that while this approach shows promise for stress and mood in this specific group, it cannot yet be recommended for treating insomnia or for use outside of student paramedic training.