| Aims of breathing retraining | Potential mechanisms |
| Reduce over-breathing (1–5) | |
| 1. Reduce breathing rate | Reverse hypocapnia if present (1 and 2) |
| 2. Reduce breathing volumes | Reduce airflow turbulence (1 and 4) |
| 3. Increase use of abdominal/ lower thoracic chest movement | Reduce hyperinflation (1, 2 and 4) |
| 4. Use nasal route of breathing | Reduce variability of breathing pattern (1, 2 and 4) |
| 5. Encourage relaxation | Reduce anxiety (1–5) |
| Provide deferment strategy (1–5) |