Breathing Patterns

This study aims to determine the prevalence and patterns of dysfunctional breathing (DB) among music students and to investigate its relationship with music performance anxiety (MPA). Dysfunctional breathing, also known as a breathing pattern disorder, refers to maladaptive respiratory patterns not explained by medical conditions such as asthma and is associated with symptoms like hyperventilation, poor breathing control, and abnormal respiratory mechanics. Given that MPA is common among musicians and often accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations, tremor, and shortness of breath, this study explores whether DB contributes to or is influenced by performance-related anxiety in this population.