Diaphragmatic Breathing Reduces Exercise-induced Oxidative Stress

This Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2009 Oct 29) article by Martarelli D, Cocchioni M, Scuri S, and Pompei P., Department of Experimental Medicine and Public Health, University of Camerino, Macerata, Italy, describes their study investigating "the effects of diaphragmatic breathing on exercise-induced oxidative stress and the putative role of cortisol and melatonin hormones in this stress pathway. . . . Results demonstrate that relaxation induced by diaphragmatic breathing increases the antioxidant defense status in athletes after exhaustive exercise. These effects correlate with the concomitant decrease in cortisol and the increase in melatonin. . . ."  Abstract: PubMed. Article full text.