PNF and Movement 2024; 22(3): 415-424
https://doi.org/10.21598/JKPNFA.2024.22.3.415
Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise on Diaphragmatic Thickness and Pulmonary Function
Seon-Wook Park, M.Sc.1⋅Tae-Wook Kang, P.T., Ph.D.2†
1Department of Sports Rehabilitation(Soccer), Gimhae College
2Department of Physical Therapy, Gimhae College
Correspondence to: †Tae-Wook Kang (gornsapelr@naver.com)
Received: November 6, 2024; Revised: November 30, 2024; Accepted: December 2, 2024; Published online: December 31, 2024.
© 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: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises performed for 4 weeks on the diaphragmatic thickness and pulmonary function of healthy adults.
Methods: Twenty healthy adults (13 males and 7 females) participated in this study and were randomly assigned to a diaphragm breathing exercise group and a control group. The diaphragm breathing exercise group was instructed to change the pressure of a dip belt (10 times per session, 3 times a week for 4 weeks) by pushing the abdomen outward as much as possible when inspiring. The thickness of the diaphragm was measured using an ultrasound device before and after the diaphragm breathing exercise, and pulmonary function was measured using a spirometer.
Results: There was a significant difference in Tdi-insp and TF in the diaphragm breathing exercise group, but there was no significant difference in pulmonary function. There was no significant difference in diaphragm thickness and pulmonary function in the control group. The between-group results showed significant differences only in Tdi-insp and TF.
Conclusion: The study confirmed that diaphragmatic breathing exercises affected the thickness of the diaphragm but did not have a significant effect on pulmonary function. However, since direct changes in muscle contractility were observed, the exercises are considered useful for improving diaphragmatic function.
Keywords: Diaphragm breathing exercise, Diaphragm thickness, Pulmonary function

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