Effects of diaphragm stretching on posterior chain muscle kinematics and rib cage and abdominal excursion: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BackgroundFew studies have explored the effects of stretching techniques on diaphragm and spine kinematics.ObjectiveTo determine whether the application of diaphragm stretching resulted in changes in posterior chain muscle kinematics and ribcage and abdominal excursion in healthy subjects.MethodEighty healthy adults were included in this randomized clinical trial. Participants were randomized into two groups: the experimental group, which received a diaphragmatic stretching technique, or the placebo group, which received a sham-ultrasound procedure. The duration of the technique, the position of participants, and the therapist who applied the technique were the same for both treatments. Participant assessment (cervical range of movement, lumbar flexibility, flexibility of the posterior chain, and rib cage and abdominal excursion) was performed at baseline and immediately after the intervention by a blinded assessor.ResultsThe mean between-group difference [95% CI] for the ribcage excursion after technique at xiphoid level was 2.48 [0.97 to 3.99], which shows significant differences in this outcome. The remaining between-group analysis showed significant differences in cervical extension, right and left flexion, flexibility of the posterior chain, and ribcage excursion at xiphoid level (p<0.05) in favor of the experimental group.ConclusionDiaphragm stretching generates a significant improvement in cervical extension, right and left cervical flexion, flexibility of the posterior chain, and ribcage excursion at xiphoid level compared to a placebo technique in healthy adults.

Added Value of Diaphragm Myofascial Release on Forward Head Posture and Chest Expansion in Patients With Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Also, since this questionnaire items assess the pain Improved chest expansion was observed after treatment in both groups. Improved xiphoid level chest expansion after diaphragm myofascial release is consistent with the ndings of previous studies (14,15,26) and could be partially related to diaphragm attachments. Muscular bers of the diaphragm are attached to the sternum (xiphoid process), lower 6 ribs, and lumbar vertebrae (the L1, L2, and L3 vertebrae and arcuate ligaments) (12).…”

The effect of diaphragmatic stretch technique on diaphragmatic excursion in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

“…Astudy done by Noll et al (2008) has reported a positive result on pulmonary function after the patients underwent the Redoming of Diaphragm technique (Noll et al, 2008). In a study done by González-Álvarez et al (2016) the diaphragm stretch technique was performed on healthy subjects which has shown an improvement in the posterior chain kinematics (González-Álvarez et al, 2016). Bhilpawar and Arora (2013) conducted a study with a combination of manual Therapy including the diaphragmatic stretch technique or redoming of diaphragm technique which showed a signi icant improvement in chest expansion and improvement in respiratory rate (Bhilpawar and Arora, 2013).…”

Prospective Effects of Manual Diaphragmatic Release and Thoracic Lymphatic Pumping in Childhood Asthma

“…Previous studies explored the effect of the diaphragmatic release technique in subjects with COPD 16,32 and in subjects who were healthy and sedentary. 14,15,18,33,34 Rocha et al 16 analyzed the effect of 6 treatments with the diaphragmatic release technique versus a sham treatment in subjects with COPD on nonconsecutive days over the course of 2 weeks. Their results showed significant improvements in diaphragmatic mobility, inspiratory capacity, and exercise capacity.…”