Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Breathing exercise is as part of a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program for patient with respiratory diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).[1] Same as other types of breathing exercise, diaphragmatic breathing is prescribed by physiotherapist aiming to strengthen the diaphragm, improve exercise endurance, reduce dyspnoea and improve quality of life (QoL).[2]
Diaphragmatic breathing is also called belly breathing since a patient abdomen should rise and lower as they are completing inspiration and expiration respectively.
Diaphragmatic breathing technique[edit | edit source]
For patient who has not expose to any kind of breathing exercise, it might be difficult for them to learn and understand diaphragmatic breathing technique. So, it relies on clear and effective explanation and demonstration from a teaching therapist. Below is an example of instructing beginner patient who has a respiratory condition.
1)Lie on your back on a flat surface or in bed, with your knees bent and your head supported. You can use a pillow under your knees to support your legs. Place one hand on your upper chest and the other just below your rib cage. This will allow you to feel your diaphragm move as you breathe
2)Breathe in slowly through your nose so that your stomach moves out against your hand. The hand on your chest should remain as still as possible
3)Tighten your stomach muscles, letting them fall inward as you exhale through pursed lips. The hand on your upper chest must remain as still as possible.
Effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercise[edit | edit source]
Diaphragmatic breathing exercise is normally completed along with other breathing exercises as a comprehensive program. It is common that it is prescribed in conjunction with purse lip breathing, slow breathing and relaxation technique.[3][4]
The combined exercises are effective in reducing tidal volume and inhibiting sympathetic pathways of COPD patient.[3][5] The effects are then demonstrated as reduction of the sensation of shortness of breath and decreasing respiratory rate.[1] Along with improvement in dyspnoea, QoL of COPD patient might be improved after four weeks of diaphragmatic breathing training.[6]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Ubolnuar N, Tantisuwat A, Thaveeratitham P, Lertmaharit S, Kruapanich C, Mathiyakom W. Effects of Breathing Exercises in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Annals of rehabilitation medicine. 2019 Aug;43(4):509.
- ↑ Holland AE, Hill CJ, Jones AY, McDonald CF. Breathing exercises for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2012(10).
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Jones AY, Dean E, Chow CC. Comparison of the oxygen cost of breathing exercises and spontaneous breathing in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Physical therapy. 2003 May 1;83(5):424-31.
- ↑ Ambrosino N, Paggiaro PL, Macchi M, Filieri M, Toma G, Lombardi A, Del Cesta F, Parlanti A, Loi AM, Baschieri L. A study of short-term effect of rehabilitative therapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Respiration. 1981;41(1):40-4.
- ↑ Borge CR, Mengshoel AM, Omenaas E, Moum T, Ekman I, Lein MP, Mack U, Wahl AK. Effects of guided deep breathing on breathlessness and the breathing pattern in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A double-blind randomized control study. Patient education and counseling. 2015 Feb 1;98(2):182-90.
- ↑ Yamaguti WP, Claudino RC, Neto AP, Chammas MC, Gomes AC, Salge JM, Moriya HT, Cukier A, Carvalho CR. Diaphragmatic breathing training program improves abdominal motion during natural breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation. 2012 Apr 1;93(4):571-7.
COPD Foundation. What is COPD? Accessed 4/11/2019.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Accessed 4/11/2019.
