Name that Breath
This technique focuses on expanding the belly rather than the chest when inhaling.
What is diaphragmatic breathing?
Breathwork can improve this aspect of human to human interaction
What is communication?
Easiest for beginners and those with severe weakness; gravity assists diaphragm movement
Supine
Name a neurological disease that commonly affects breathing due to muscle weakness.
What is ALS
This type of respiratory therapy involves scheduled training sessions using handheld devices to strengthen either inspiratory or expiratory muscles—or both—through targeted resistance or pressure.
What is respiratory muscle strength training (RMST)
This breathing technique involves a double inhale followed by a slow exhale.
What is cyclic sighing
Breathwork can contribute to improved postural control by enhancing this foundational aspect of body alignment.
What is core stability?
Promotes upright posture and core engagement; use pillows for support if needed
Sitting
What is the name of the genetic disorder causing progressive muscle degeneration and respiratory failure?
What is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)
This neurodegenerative disease was one of the patient groups in studies showing improvement in cough strength following EMST.
What is Parkinson's
Blowing these can make pursed lip breathing more engaging for children.
What is a feather?
Like physical exercise, controlled breathing can help regulate this system responsible for heart rate, blood pressure, and stress response.
What is autonomic regulation
Progression for advanced clients; integrates posture and balance training.
Standing
What respiratory complication can occur due to prolonged immobility in neurological patients?
What is pneumonia
Inspiratory muscle strength training (IMST) tends to focus on muscles such as the diaphragm, whereas the external muscle strength training (EMST) tend to focus on which two main muscles?
Abdominal muscles and internal intercostals
Balman’s et al (2023), RCT studied three different daily 5-min breathwork exercises. Which breathing type did they find had the greatest significant improvement in positive effect and reduced anxiety?
What is cyclic sighing?
Breathing training in neurological patients not only aids respiratory function but may also reduce this psychological state often associated with chronic illness.
What is anxiety
Locks chest, forces diaphragmatic breathing—helpful for those overusing accessory muscles
Hands Behind Head
Cough efficiency is often reduced in this neurological condition due to weakened expiratory muscles and bulbar dysfunction, impairing glottis closure and limiting airflow needed to expel secretions.
What is Multiple Sclerosis
Tsai et al (2016) found increased phonation times were achieved for people with voice difficulties after how many weeks of EMST exercise?
5 weeks
Hopper et al., 2019 qualitative systematic review found that this breathing type helps reduce physiologic biomarkers of stress as well as psychological self-report tools of stress.
What is Diaphragmatic breathing
Some neurological conditions can disrupt this essential restorative process. Breathing techniques can promote relaxation and improve its quality.
An et al. (2021) found that practicing diaphragmatic breathing improved cognitive function, respiratory rate during exercise, and head and neck posture in patients from WHICH clinical population?