Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2025
Author Spotlight: Neuromotor Control and Recovery of Diaphragm Function Following Cervical Spinal Hemisection in Rats
Published on: June 14, 2024
Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise With Biofeedback on Respiratory Function in Incomplete Cervical Spinal
Soroush Hasnakipour, Zahra Mosallanezhad, Tahere Rezaeian1
1Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercise with biofeedback on respiratory function in incomplete cervical spinal cord injury patients.
Design:
Forty spinal cord injury patients (mean age: 32.67 ± 5.08 yrs) were randomly entered into two groups including the control group ( n = 20) and the intervention group ( n = 20). Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec, functional vital capacity, and maximum voluntary ventilation tests were performed to measure pulmonary function and Nijmegen Questionnaire was used to evaluate severity of respiratory dysfunction before, immediately after intervention, and 1 mo after the intervention.
Results:
The mean of pulmonary function tests in the intervention group was increased after the intervention ( P < 0.001) and at 1-mo after intervention ( P < 0.001). In addition, the control group indicated no change in these variables. The Nijmegen Questionnaire score also decreased significantly in both groups (control group = P < 0.001, intervention group = P < 0.001). The change of Nijmegen Questionnaire score significantly differed between the groups (F = 4.67, P = 0.03); in addition, significant difference was observed after intervention ( P < 0.001) and 1-mo follow-up ( P < 0.001).
Conclusions:
The application of visual biofeedback during breathing exercise can improve pulmonary function and mechanism may make the Nijmegen Questionnaire improve as a reflection of lowered dyspnea.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
01:22Physiology of Respiration II: Neurogenic Control of Respiration
Central Control
The brainstem is the primary site of central control, hosting respiratory centers:
01:21Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...
01:18Neural Control of Respiration
Respiratory Centers in the Brainstem
Two primary areas comprise the respiratory center: the medullary respiratory center in the medulla oblongata and the pontine respiratory group in the pons. The...