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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
08:34
Investigation into Deep Breathing through Measurement of Ventilatory Parameters and Observation of Breathing Patterns
Published on: September 16, 2019
Breathing retraining for paediatric dysfunctional breathing with objective improvements in breathing patterns
Nicki Barker1,2, Lowri A Thomas3, Mark L Everard4
1Dept of Respiratory Medicine, Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK. nicki.barker@nhs.net.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Breathing retraining (BRtr) significantly improves breathing patterns in children with dysfunctional breathing. Objective improvements in thoracic movement and respiratory rate were sustained for at least six months post-intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
- Physiotherapy Interventions
- Breathing Biomechanics
Background:
- Dysfunctional breathing significantly impacts children's daily lives, affecting performance and social interactions.
- Breathing retraining (BRtr) physiotherapy is recognized for improving symptoms and quality of life in pediatric patients.
- Previous understanding suggests BRtr may offer objective biomechanical breathing improvements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively assess the impact of a physiotherapist-led breathing retraining program on the breathing patterns of children and adolescents with dysfunctional breathing.
- To evaluate the short-term and sustained effects of breathing retraining on thoracic movement and respiratory rate.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 23 children and adolescents with dysfunctional breathing underwent a 3-month breathing retraining program.
- Structured light plethysmography was utilized to objectively measure breathing patterns before, immediately after, and 3 months post-intervention.
- Key metrics included the contribution of rib cage movement to total thoracic volume and respiratory rate.
Main Results:
- A 3-month breathing retraining program led to a significant reduction in rib cage contribution to thoracic volume.
- Respiratory rate also significantly decreased following the intervention.
- These objective improvements in breathing patterns were maintained at a 6-month follow-up (3 months post-intervention).
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first objective evidence of sustained improvements in breathing patterns following a breathing retraining program in pediatric patients.
- Physiotherapist-led breathing retraining is an effective intervention for normalizing breathing biomechanics in children and adolescents with dysfunctional breathing.
- The findings support the long-term efficacy of breathing retraining for improving objective measures of respiratory function.
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