Effect of Deep Breathing on Balance in Patients With Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain

Diaphragm has been reported as a contributor in postural control and respiration. However, the integrated function of postural control and respiration is a complex process, especially evident during activities that increase demands on one or both functions . Previous research reports noticed that breathing pattern is altered in cases of chronic mechanical low back pain during tasks that challenges the trunk muscles function, and trunk stability . Dynamic balance control is one of the functional tasks that burdens the trunk muscles, and requires high degree of integration. Dynamic balance is disturbed in cases of chronic mechanical low back pain, and reports indicate that balance deficits extends after the painful episodes in those who have history of low back pain In patients with chronic mechanical low back pain regular respiratory movements results in greater disturbances to balance than healthy subjects .

Accordingly, in this study will attempt to emphasize the role of the deep breathing pattern during dynamic balance testing in chronic mechanical low back pain patients and matched healthy control subjects. As it is suggested that activity of the diaphragm will be focused upon through introducing deep breathing during dynamic balance testing; it is expected to enhance dynamic balance through its dual integrating its dual function of postural control and respiration.