The Effects of Different Breathing Techniques on Lower Extremity Muscle Function and Postural Stability

Abstract

OBJECTIVES This study examines the effects of bracing versus hollowing breathing techniques on lower limb muscle function and postural stability, aiming to identify the most effective breathing strategy for functional movement. METHODS Conducted on ten healthy males in their twenties without back or musculoskeletal issues, the study involved pre-experiment training in both breathing techniques. It assessed maximal strength, endurance, and power during knee flexion and extension, alongside postural stability, with both eyes open and closed, using the non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test for analysis. RESULTS Except for certain specific measurements (right flexor muscle peak torque, left flexor muscle total work, and right extensor muscle power), statistical analysis showed significant differences in Knee muscle function favoring the bracing technique (p<.05). While postural stability tests showed no significant overall differences between the techniques, an observable trend emerged: the hollowing group showed superior performance in one-foot balance tasks, whereas the bracing group demonstrated better outcomes in two-footed stances. CONCLUSIONS It is anticipated that bracing breathing will positively influence muscle training, surpassing the effects of hollowing by bolstering the strength, endurance, and power of the lower limbs. However, for postural stability, the hollowing technique may offer advantages in tasks requiring higher balance acuity, like one-legged standing. In contrast, bracing appears more effective for simpler stability tasks. These findings underscore breathing techniques' role in physical performance, highlighting the need for further, detailed research considering posture and musculoskeletal influences.

Keywords

• abdominal hollowing
• abdominal bracing
• muscle function
• postural stability