Diaphragmatic Breathing Training to Improve Breathing Patterns and Core Stability in Combat Sport Athletes with Dysfunctional Breathing

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating dysfunctional breathing patterns in combat sport athletes to understand their impact on breathing, diaphragm function, core stability, postural control, and sport-related performance. The study aims to clarify how breathing patterns affect movement control in these athletes and whether diaphragmatic breathing retraining can provide additional benefits. Participants include athletes from various combat and non-combat sports to assess the prevalence of dysfunctional breathing and related postural characteristics. The study has three main stages. First, athletes will be screened for dysfunctional breathing and postural traits, including laboratory tests for some combat sport athletes. Second, combat athletes with dysfunctional breathing will be randomly assigned to either an 8-week diaphragmatic breathing retraining program plus usual training or usual training alone. The breathing retraining progresses from supported breathing correction to upright core-demanding breathing control. Assessments occur before, immediately after the first session, post-intervention at eight weeks, and at an eight-week follow-up. Participants will undergo evaluations including breathing pattern assessments, ultrasound of diaphragm function, respiratory muscle strength tests, movement and balance analyses, muscle activity recordings, and sport performance tests. The study will also explore why some athletes respond better to training by examining baseline measures. Overall, the study monitors breathing, trunk control, balance, and sport function over about 16 weeks to determine effects and lasting changes from the breathing retraining.

Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Retraining in Combat Sport Athletes With Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns