Year: 2026 | Month: July | Volume: 13 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 183-191
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20260722
Effectiveness of 4-7-8 Breathing Technique on Memory and Concentration in Physiotherapy Students -A Pilot Study
Dr Dakshata Jitendra Patil1, Dr Dipika Y Kolhe2
1Intern Motiwala college of Physiotherapy Nashik,
2Assistant professor Motiwala college of Physiotherapy Nashik, MUHS University, Nashik, Maharashtra.
Corresponding Author: Dr Dakshata Jitendra Patil
ABSTRACT
Background & Purpose: Physiotherapy students frequently experience high academic stress, which negatively affects memory and concentration. Breathing-based relaxation techniques have demonstrated beneficial effects on stress reduction and cognitive enhancement. The 4-7-8 breathing technique, designed to modulate autonomic activity and promote parasympathetic dominance, may offer additional cognitive benefits compared with general deep-breathing practices.
Methodology: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 24 undergraduate physiotherapy students (aged 18–24 years). Participants were randomly allocated into an Experimental Group (Group A; n=12) receiving the 4-7-8 breathing protocol and a Control Group (Group B; n=12) receiving a standard deep-breathing protocol. Both interventions were administered 3–5 times per week for 8 weeks. Memory and concentration were assessed pre- and post-intervention using the Mizan Meta-Memory and Meta-Concentration Scale (MMSS). Data were analyzed using paired and independent t-tests with significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Significant within-group improvements were observed in both groups. Group A showed a greater increase in MMSS scores (mean difference: 10.8±6.72; p<0.001; Cohen’s d=1.60), while Group B demonstrated a mean increase of 7.17±6.38 (p=0.003; Cohen’s d=1.12).
Conclusion: Both breathing techniques improved memory and concentration; however, the 4-7-8 breathing technique demonstrated a greater magnitude of cognitive enhancement.
Keywords: 4-7-8 breathing, memory, concentration, physiotherapy students, stress management, cognitive performance.
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