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Updated: Jul 12, 2026
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Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Breathing pattern, thoracoabdominal motion and muscular activity during three breathing exercises
G M Tomich1, D C França, A C M Diório
1Departamento de Fisioterapia, Escola de Educação Física, Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
Summary
Diaphragmatic breathing and Voldyne incentive spirometry showed similar benefits for breathing patterns. Triflo II, however, increased respiratory rate and muscle activity, indicating potential disadvantages for breathing exercises.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Physiology
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Background:
- Breathing exercises are crucial for pulmonary health.
- Different techniques like diaphragmatic breathing and incentive spirometry aim to improve respiratory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare breathing patterns, thoracoabdominal motion, and muscle activity during diaphragmatic breathing, Triflo II, and Voldyne incentive spirometry.
- To identify the most effective breathing exercise among the three evaluated methods.
Main Methods:
- Seventeen healthy subjects performed diaphragmatic breathing, Triflo II, and Voldyne incentive spirometry.
- Respiratory inductive plethysmography measured tidal volume, respiratory frequency, rib cage contribution, inspiratory duty cycle, and phase angle.
- Surface electromyography assessed sternocleidomastoid muscle activity.
Main Results:
- All exercises increased tidal volume and phase angle (thoracoabdominal asynchrony) compared to baseline.
- Diaphragmatic breathing and Voldyne decreased respiratory frequency, while Triflo II increased it.
- Triflo II showed significantly higher respiratory frequency and sternocleidomastoid activity compared to diaphragmatic breathing and Voldyne.
Conclusions:
- Diaphragmatic breathing and Voldyne incentive spirometry yielded comparable and favorable respiratory changes.
- Triflo II incentive spirometry demonstrated disadvantages due to increased respiratory rate and accessory muscle use.
- The choice of breathing exercise technique can influence respiratory mechanics and muscle recruitment.
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