Paced Breathing app

Paced Breathing allows the user to focus on timed deep breathing exercises. Users simply set their inhale, exhale, and hold times to whatever they want, and the app will give cues for when to start inhaling and exhaling. There is a simple graphic wave length guiding your breathing, or you can simply follow the different sounds. You can set up different profiles to use for different activities or for different family/whānau members. There is an option to have a voice instructing you to breathe in or out, and also to ramp up or change the rate of your breathing over the set time of your breathing exercises. This should not be used by someone who is acutely unwell or short of breath without instruction. 

For the complete app description, go to Google Play(external link) or, for a more detailed review, see reviews below.

Clinical review

Reviewer: Victoria Lai, Advanced Clinician ICU (Physiotherapist), PNZ Cardiorespiratory Special Interest Group; WDHB
Date of review: January 2022
Platform: Android
Version: 2.1
Comments: This app would be most useful for someone wanting to focus on their breathing for meditation or relaxation, as well as those who have been given breathing instructions from a physiotherapist. This app will help the user to be certain they are breathing at the pace they are aiming to breathe at, and to focus on their breathing exercises. The app is easy to use but does not have a diary for users to record how they managed, no feedback if they are actually breathing to the rate set, and the app had adverts unless users purchase an in app purchase. 
Safety concerns: Not particularly, however I would advise that someone seeks professional advice of a physiotherapist or similar to guide them on suitable breath times for inspiration and expiration. This should not be used in someone who is acutely unwell or short of breath without instruction. 
New Zealand relevance: Yes - relevant to a NZ audience.