<![CDATA[Asthma in children can cause airflow obstruction and changes in breathing patterns. Buteyko Breathing and Balloon Blowing can be used as complementary non-pharmacological interventions. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Buteyko Breathing and Balloon Blowing on Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF), Respiratory Rate (RR), and Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂), and to compare the effectiveness of both exercises in children with asthma. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a two-group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of 70 children aged 6-12 years with asthma, comprising 35 participants in the Buteyko Breathing group and 35 in the Balloon Blowing group, selected using purposive sampling. Buteyko Breathing was administered for 15 minutes twice daily for three days, while Balloon Blowing was administered for 15 minutes once daily for three days. PEF was measured using a peak flow meter, RR was counted for one minute, and SpO₂ was measured using a pulse oximeter. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test and Mann-Whitney U Test. Both groups showed significant changes in PEF, RR, and SpO₂ (p<0.05). The changes in PEF were 9.43 L/min in the Buteyko Breathing group and 8.57 L/min in the Balloon Blowing group; RR changes were 2.17 and 0.80 breaths/min, respectively; and SpO₂ changes were 0.60% and 0.57%, respectively. A significant difference was found in RR changes between groups (p=0.001), whereas PEF (p=0.755) and SpO₂ (p=0.969) did not differ significantly. Buteyko Breathing was more effective in reducing RR, while both exercises showed comparable effectiveness in changing PEF and SpO₂ in children with asthma.]]>
