Breathing Pattern Disorders and Functional Movement

Abstract

Study Design: Cross-sectional design Objectives: To investigate the relationship between Breathing Pattern Disorders (BPD) and functional movement and to identify if correlations exist between different measures of BPD. Background: Breathing with normal respiratory mechanics has an important role on the musculoskeletal system, one of the essential reasons being that respiratory mechanics plays a key role in both posture and spinal stabilization. BPD have been shown to contribute to pain and motor control deficits. Dysfunctional movement patterns may arise from a problem with motor control. The Functional Movement Screen™ has been shown to accurately predict injury in individuals who demonstrate poor functional movement patterns. The role BPD plays on functional movement is not well established. Furthermore, there is currently no single test to clinically diagnose BPD. A variety of methods are used, but correlations between them are poor. Methods: Healthy individuals (n=34) were recruited to participate in this study. Breathing was assessed using a multi-dimensional approach which included biomechanical, biochemical, breathing related symptoms and breathing functionality measures. Movement was assessed using the FMS™. Analysis to identify correlations between measures was performed. Results: Individuals, who exhibited biochemical and biomechanical signs of BPD, were significantly more likely to score poorly on the FMS™. These measures of BPD correlated highly with each other. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the importance of diaphragmatic breathing on functional movement. Inefficient breathing could result in muscular imbalance, motor control alterations and physiological adaptations which are capable of modifying movement. These findings provide evidence for improved breathing evaluations by clinicians.