Effects of different Diaphragm Breathing Methods on the Diaphragm Thickening Ratio and Pulmonary Function in Young Adults

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study examined the effective impact of self and resistive and ultrasound-biofeedback diaphragm breathing on the pulmonary function and diaphragm thickening ratio of young adults. METHODS: Thirty normal adults were assigned randomly to three experimental groups (selfdiaphragm breathing (n=9), resistive-diaphragm breathing (n=11), ultrasoundbiofeedback diaphragm breathing (n=10)). Each group participated for 15 minutes for times with a two minute rest between two sets. The subjects were assessed using the preand postdiaphragm thickening ratio and the pulmonary function (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume at one second, maximal voluntary ventilation, and respiratory rate) on the thirty subjects. A paired t-test was to determine the difference between before and after the experiment in each group of diaphragm breathing before and after the exercises.