An inhaler has long been the only hope of coping with asthma. Now new research proves breathing exercises can also help sufferers control their condition - and cut the number of times they have to use an inhaler.

A University of Nottingham team tested the effectiveness of the Buteyko technique - using shallow, short breaths - alongside the Pink City Lung Exerciser, which uses a plastic tube and resistor to mimic the yoga breathing exercise of pranayama - deep inhalation, a pause, then complete exhalation. Clinical research claims both methods have a range of health benefits, but the team specifically looked at their effect on asthma.

Funded by the National Asthma Campaign, the six-month study involving 90 volunteers found that asthmatics practising the Buteyko technique had fewer symptoms and used less of their reliever inhalers, such as Ventolin - on average about two puffs a day. However, the Buteyko technique did not improve the underlying condition, for instance there was no change to the patients' lung function. The researchers also found that the Pink City Lung Exerciser was not of benefit to asthmatics.

The team arrived at their findings by comparing breathing effects in asthmatics using one of the breathing techniques to control their asthma with those using a placebo breathing exercise. Lead scientist Sue Cooper said: "The Buteyko technique appeared to help these patients adapt to their asthma and feel more in control of their treatment. However, we didn't find evidence to suggest that the underlying disease is altered. The technique may well be worth trying with patients sympathetic to the ethos of the Buteyko technique, if they are willing to spend time learning and practising it."

The technique, developed by Russian scientist Konstantin Buteyko, has had considerable media attention since it was featured on a BBC TV programme five years ago. It is based on the belief that asthma is caused by hyperventilation - or overbreathing - which results in too much carbon dioxide being lost from the body. The technique, now taught in many parts of the world, including the UK and Australia, uses a system of breathing exercises designed to reduce the breathing rate and depth.

The Nottingham scientists are now planning to investigate further the benefits of breathing exercises by concentrating on one aspect of the Buteyko technique. In this, the mouth is fastened with micropore surgical tape at night, stopping it from dropping open and making the sleeper breathe only through this or her nose.

The research, carried out in the University's Division of Respiratory Medicine, will be published in the August issue of the journal Thorax.

Why kristian's match fit

Asthmatic footballer Kristian Plumb, 13, used the Buteyko method to help him cope during matches. The youngster who plays for Ayleston Park FC in Leicester managed to control his asthma by using the technique. After three years, he no longer relies on it - and very rarely uses his inhaler. The technique helped him at weekends when he first started training at Notts County's Centre of Excellence.

His music teacher mother, Mandy, of Blaby, Leicester, said: "It was only when Kristian started playing competitively at a high level that he started to get more attacks, which forced him off the field. We didn"t want to go down the route of having Kristian take more medication and steroids so, when we heard about Buteyko, we decided to give it a go."

Kristian's father David said: "He's not using the Buteyko method now. He's not been getting the asthma attacks he used to. He still takes a preventive inhaler in the mornings, but he has really cut down on how often he needs it. His attacks have reduced too. The technique has obviously worked because he doesn't need it any more."

Kristian is progressing well with his football, and his asthma seems not to be bothering him much. He said: "I've always wanted to be a footballer, but I won't be really happy until I can get rid of all the drugs."

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