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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
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Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Different breathing patterns in healthy and asthmatic children: responses to an arithmetic task
D S Fokkema1, E J W Maarsingh, L A van Eykern
1Department of Biological Psychiatry, University of Groningen, PO box 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands. fokkema@amazed.nl
Respiratory Medicine
|December 13, 2005
Summary
Children with asthma exhibit altered breathing patterns and respiratory muscle straining even at rest, suggesting a protective mechanism against airway irritation. This
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Behavioral Medicine
Background:
- Asthma patients often report breathlessness irrespective of airway obstruction severity.
- Attention and task performance can alter breathing patterns, potentially influencing the sensation of breathlessness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in breathing patterns and respiratory muscle straining during a cognitive task in children with asthma compared to healthy children.
Main Methods:
- Surface electromyography (EMG) of respiratory muscles and a breathing strain gauge were used in 7 healthy and 8 asthmatic children.
- Measures included relative exhalation duration/speed and phase angle of muscle activity relative to maximal chest extension (MCE).
Main Results:
- Asthmatic children displayed slower breathing and distinct respiratory muscle activity phasing at rest compared to healthy children.
- Differences in muscle activity phasing between groups diminished during an arithmetic task.
Conclusions:
- Asthmatic children demonstrate respiratory muscle straining at rest, possibly to maintain airflow control similar to healthy children during mental tasks.
- This 'careful' breathing pattern may help prevent airway irritation in asymptomatic asthmatic children.
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