PNF and Movement 2023; 21(2): 185-192
https://doi.org/10.21598/JKPNFA.2023.21.2.185
Changes of Maximum Inspiratory Pressure, Maximum Expiratory Pressure, Back Mobility by Diaphragm Stretching Technique in Patients with Low Back Pain
In-young Kong, P.T., M.S.†
Department of Physical Therapy, Catholic University of Pusan
Correspondence to: †In-young Kong (starsnake@daum.net)
Received: May 9, 2023; Revised: May 22, 2023; Accepted: May 24, 2023; Published online: August 31, 2023.
© Korea Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Association. All rights reserved.

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to confirm the effectiveness of the diaphragm stretching technique as a treatment method for low back pain by evaluating maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and changes in back mobility in patients with low back pain.
Methods: Thirty-four patients with low back pain were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The diaphragm stretching technique was conducted in the experimental group, and the placebo intervention was conducted in the control group. The diaphragm stretching technique was conducted once, maintaining tension for 7 min. The placebo intervention was conducted in the same position as the diaphragm stretching technique, but with only light contact maintained without pressure. Maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and back mobility were measured before and after the intervention, and the changes were compared and analyzed. A paired sample t-test was used to compare measurements within the group before and after the intervention. An independent t-test was used to compare the experimental and control groups. Statistical significance (α) was set at 0.05.
Results: In the experimental group, maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and back mobility increased significantly after the intervention (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in the changes in all areas of the control (p > 0.05). As a result of comparative analysis of changes before and after the intervention, there were significant differences in maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and back mobility only in the experimental group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The diaphragm stretching technique improved maximum inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, and back mobility compared to the placebo intervention. Therefore, the diaphragm stretching technique can be recommended as a physical therapy intervention to improve pain in patients with LBP.
Keywords: Back mobility, Back pain, Diaphragm stretching technique, Maximum expiratory pressure, Maximum inspiratory pressure

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