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Updated: Jul 31, 2025

Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
The effect of deep tissue massage on respiratory parameters in healthy subjects-A non-randomised pilot study
Bartosz Trybulec1, Bartosz Macul2, Karolina Kościńska2
1Dept. of Physiotherapy, Institute of Physiotherapy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 9 Medyczna Str., 30-688, Cracow, Poland.
Background:
Deep tissue massage (DTM), based on deep palpation and elimination of fascia restrictions, can reduce symptoms resulting from fascial disorders. The goal of this study was the analysis of the DTM effect on respiratory parameters in healthy people.
Material And Methods:
The study involved a group of 40 people divided into two subgroups. The experimental group underwent a single DTM session. Classic massage was performed in the control group. Before and after treatment the chest circumference and oxygen saturation were measured and a spirometry test was performed.
Results:
The chest expandability significantly increased in both groups with greater effect in DTM group. Vital capacity and saturation, significantly increased in the experimental group. No significant changes in dynamic parameters were noticed in the control group, while FVC slightly decreased in the experimental group.
Conclusions:
In this study, deep tissue massage appeared to improve chest expendability and vital capacity with simultaneous decrease of FVC in healthy subjects. Further studies are needed to specify the effect of DTM on the respiratory system.
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