Research finds five to 10 minutes daily of a type of strength training for muscles used in breathing can help anyone reduce or prevent high blood pressure. The training can also help elite athletes.
In summary, the apparent simplicity of breathing movements belies a complex neural control system with the twin properties of robustness and lability. The system exhibits diverse operational modes; coordinates breathing with a broad array of vital behaviors on a moment-to-moment basis; and interacts with neural circuits across the nervous system to modulate movement, emotion, and cognition. Elucidating the mechanisms that generate and control breathing presents opportunities for deeper understanding of neural circuits throughout the nervous system, as well as potential avenues for using breathing to improve well-being and mental health.
