Questa pagina è stata tradotta automaticamente e l'accuratezza della traduzione non è garantita. Si prega di fare riferimento al Versione inglese per un testo di partenza.

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

15 luglio 2026 aggiornato da: YI-JU TSAI, National Cheng Kung University

Dysfunctional Breathing Patterns, Diaphragmatic Function, Core Stability, and Postural Control in Combat Sport Athletes: Diaphragm-Centered Neuromuscular Control Perspective and Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing Retraining

Combat sport athletes often need to maintain a guarded posture, stabilize the trunk, react quickly, and control balance during contact or unexpected movement. These demands may be related not only to strength and conditioning, but also to the coordination between breathing and postural control. The diaphragm is the main muscle for breathing and also contributes to trunk stability through its role in pressure regulation and deep core control. However, dysfunctional breathing patterns, such as upper-chest dominant breathing, reduced lower rib expansion, or poor coordination between the chest and abdomen, may interfere with this function.

The purpose of this study is to examine dysfunctional breathing patterns in combat sport athletes and to investigate whether diaphragmatic breathing retraining can improve breathing patterns, diaphragm function, core stability, postural control, and sport-related performance. This study will first screen athletes from combat and non-combat sports to determine the prevalence of dysfunctional breathing. Combat sport athletes will then complete laboratory tests to examine the relationship between breathing pattern, posture, diaphragm function, core stability, and postural control. In the intervention part of the study, combat sport athletes with dysfunctional breathing will be randomly assigned to diaphragmatic breathing retraining plus usual training or usual training only. The study will compare the two groups to determine whether adding diaphragmatic breathing retraining provides additional benefits. The study will also examine whether the changes are maintained after training and whether baseline measures can help identify athletes who respond better to the program.

Panoramica dello studio

Stato

Reclutamento

Condizioni

Intervento / Trattamento

Descrizione dettagliata

Combat sports place high demands on the neuromuscular system. Athletes must generate force, absorb impact, maintain balance, and respond to an opponent under rapidly changing conditions. Many combat sport athletes also use protective or guarded postures during training and competition. These postures may help with short-term stability, but they may also be associated with altered trunk control, reduced movement adaptability, and increased loading on the spine and surrounding tissues.

Breathing mechanics may be one factor related to these movement-control demands. The diaphragm is not only the primary muscle for inspiration, but also contributes to trunk stabilization. Through its interaction with the abdominal wall, pelvic floor, and deep spinal muscles, the diaphragm helps regulate intra-abdominal pressure and support postural control. When breathing is dominated by the upper chest or accessory muscles, the coordination between breathing and trunk stabilization may be less efficient.

Dysfunctional breathing has been reported in physically active and athletic populations, but its role in combat sport athletes is still not well understood. Most sport-related breathing studies have focused on respiratory muscle strength or endurance. Less attention has been given to breathing pattern normalization and the integration of breathing with postural control. For this reason, the present study focuses on dysfunctional breathing as a possible neuromuscular control issue rather than only a respiratory problem.

This study includes three main stages. In the first stage, athletes from combat and non-combat sports will be screened for dysfunctional breathing and postural characteristics. This stage will estimate the prevalence of dysfunctional breathing and compare breathing patterns between sport types. A subgroup of combat sport athletes will also complete laboratory-based testing to examine whether breathing pattern is associated with diaphragm function, posture, core stability, and postural control.

In the second stage, combat sport athletes with dysfunctional breathing will participate in an intervention study. Participants will first complete a single-session breathing correction assessment to examine immediate changes in breathing pattern and diaphragm function. They will then be randomly assigned to either diaphragmatic breathing retraining plus usual training or usual training only. The breathing retraining program will last 8 weeks and will progress from breathing correction in supported positions to breathing control in upright and core-demanding positions.

Assessments will be performed before the intervention, after the first breathing correction session, after the 8-week intervention, and at follow-up. The assessments will include breathing pattern evaluation, ultrasound assessment of diaphragm function, respiratory muscle strength testing, movement analysis, force plate testing, muscle activity recording, and functional sport performance tests. These tests are used to examine whether changes in breathing are accompanied by changes in trunk control, balance responses, and sport-related function.

In the third stage, the study will explore why some athletes improve more than others. Athletes who receive diaphragmatic breathing retraining will be classified as responders or non-responders based on changes in breathing pattern. Baseline breathing severity, diaphragm function, posture, core stability, postural control, and low back pain status will be examined as possible factors related to training response.

Overall, this study aims to clarify the relationship between breathing pattern and movement control in combat sport athletes. The findings may help determine whether diaphragmatic breathing retraining can be used as a practical strategy to improve breathing control, trunk stability, postural control, and sport-related performance in athletes with dysfunctional breathing.

Tipo di studio

Interventistico

Iscrizione (Stimato)

60

Fase

  • Non applicabile

Contatti e Sedi

Questa sezione fornisce i recapiti di coloro che conducono lo studio e informazioni su dove viene condotto lo studio.

Contatto studio

Luoghi di studio

  • Taiwan
      • Tainan, Taiwan, 701
        • Reclutamento
        • Department of Physical Therapy, National Cheng Kung University,
        • Contatto:

Criteri di partecipazione

I ricercatori cercano persone che corrispondano a una certa descrizione, chiamata criteri di ammissibilità. Alcuni esempi di questi criteri sono le condizioni generali di salute di una persona o trattamenti precedenti.

Criteri di ammissibilità

Età idonea allo studio

  • Adulto

Accetta volontari sani

No

Descrizione

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Aged between 18 and 50 years.
  • Currently participating regularly in combat sports, such as taekwondo, boxing, judo, karate, jiu-jitsu, or similar sports, with at least 2 years of training experience.
  • Training at least 3 times per week.

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Current or major musculoskeletal injury within the past year that may affect testing or training performance.
  • History of major thoracic, abdominal, or spinal surgery.
  • Known cardiopulmonary diseases, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or heart disease; neurological disorders; vestibular dysfunction; or other conditions that may affect balance.
  • Current or recent pregnancy.
  • Previous participation in breathing training or respiratory therapy, or current use of medications that may affect respiratory or neuromuscular function.
  • Inability to complete ultrasound assessment, motion analysis, or exercise testing.
  • Having a subordinate relationship or conflict of interest with the principal investigator or co-investigators, such as being a supervised student, research assistant, employee, or other related personnel.

Piano di studio

Questa sezione fornisce i dettagli del piano di studio, compreso il modo in cui lo studio è progettato e ciò che lo studio sta misurando.

Come è strutturato lo studio?

Dettagli di progettazione

  • Scopo principale: Trattamento
  • Assegnazione: Randomizzato
  • Modello interventistico: Assegnazione parallela
  • Mascheramento: Nessuno (etichetta aperta)

Armi e interventi

Gruppo di partecipanti / Arm
Intervento / Trattamento
Sperimentale: Diaphragmatic Breathing Retraining Group
Combat sport athletes with dysfunctional breathing patterns will receive supervised diaphragmatic breathing training.
Altro: Diaphragmatic breathing training exercise
Participants will complete one session of diaphragmatic breathing correction. During the session, verbal instruction, manual facilitation, and corrective feedback will be used to guide participants toward a more diaphragmatic breathing pattern. Participants will be instructed to breathe with relaxed shoulders and neck, increase lower rib cage and abdominal expansion, and minimize upper-chest dominant breathing. The intervention is designed to examine the immediate effects of breathing correction on breathing pattern characteristics, diaphragm function, postural alignment, and core stability-related outcomes.
Altro: Usual Training Control Group
Combat sport athletes in the control group will continue their usual sport-specific training without any structured breathing intervention. They will receive non-specific limb stretching and general exercise education.
Altro: Usual training
Participants continue their regular sport-specific training schedule. They receive non-specific limb stretching and general exercise education but no structured breathing exercises or breathing instruction during the study period.

Cosa sta misurando lo studio?

Misure di risultato primarie

Misura del risultato
Misura Descrizione
Lasso di tempo
Breathing Pattern_ Total Faulty Breathing Scale (TFBS) Score
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Day 1 (immediately after first session), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Breathing pattern severity assessed using the Total Faulty Breathing Scale (TFBS), a structured observational tool scored 0-12. Higher scores indicate greater breathing dysfunction. Assessed during 10 cycles of quiet and 10 cycles of deep breathing in standing. Also supported by Manual Assessment of Respiratory Motion (MARM).
Baseline (Day 1), Day 1 (immediately after first session), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Trunk Flexor Endurance _ McGill Curl-Up Hold Test
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)

Description: Isometric trunk flexor endurance measured as hold time during the McGill Curl-Up Test. A longer time indicates greater endurance.

Unit of Measure: seconds
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Back Extensor Endurance _Biering-Sørensen Test
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)

Isometric back extensor endurance measured as hold time during the Biering-Sørensen Test. A longer time indicates greater endurance.

Unit of Measure: seconds
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Movement Speed_10-Meter Sprint Time
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)

Time to complete a 10-meter maximal sprint from a combat/two-point stance, measured with electronic timing gates. Lower time indicates better performance.

Unit of Measure: seconds
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Agility _ T-Test Time
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)

Time to complete the agility T-test course (sprint forward, lateral shuffles, backward run around 4 cones in a T-shape). Lower time indicates better multidirectional agility.

Unit of Measure: seconds
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Visual Motor Reaction Time _ BlazePod System
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)

Average reaction time to randomly illuminated light pods during a standardized protocol from a fighting stance, using the BlazePod system (BlazePod Ltd.). Lower time indicates faster reaction.

Unit of Measure: milliseconds
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Dynamic Balance _ Y Balance Test Composite Score
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)

Maximum normalized reach distance in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions during single-leg stance on the Y-Balance Test.

Unit of Measure: percent of leg length
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Reactive Postural Control - Time to Stabilization
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Time to stabilization of center of pressure after an unexpected anterior pulling perturbation (10% body weight), measured via force plate. Lower time indicates better reactive postural control. Unit of Measure: seconds
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Reactive Postural Control - Trunk/Pelvis Angular Displacement
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Angular displacement of the trunk and pelvis during the stabilization phase following an unexpected anterior pulling perturbation, measured via 3D motion capture. Unit of Measure: degrees
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Reactive Postural Control - Trunk/Pelvis Angular Velocity
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Angular velocity of the trunk and pelvis during the stabilization phase following an unexpected anterior pulling perturbation, measured via 3D motion capture. Unit of Measure: degrees per second
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Reactive Postural Control - Peak Ground Reaction Force
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Peak ground reaction force during the stabilization phase following an unexpected anterior pulling perturbation, measured via force plate. Unit of Measure: percent of body weight
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Reactive Postural Control - COP Path Length
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Total center-of-pressure trajectory length during the stabilization phase following an unexpected anterior pulling perturbation, measured via force plate and normalized to foot length. Unit of Measure: mm
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Reactive Postural Control - Trunk Muscle Onset Latency
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
EMG onset latency of trunk muscles relative to perturbation onset, measured via surface electromyography. Unit of Measure: milliseconds
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Reactive Postural Control - Trunk Muscle EMG Amplitude
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Normalized EMG amplitude of trunk muscles during the early stabilization phase following an unexpected anterior pulling perturbation. Unit of Measure: percent of MVIC
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP)
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion) Secondary
Global inspiratory muscle strength was measured in cmH₂O using a gas pressure gauge (Galemed Corporation). Participants exhale maximally, then inhale forcefully against the gauge for ≥1 second with a nose clip applied.
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion) Secondary
Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP)
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)

Global expiratory muscle strength is measured using a gas pressure gauge. Participants inhale maximally, then exhale forcefully against the gauge for ≥1 second.

Unit of Measure: cmH₂O
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Diaphragmatic Excursion
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Day 1 (immediately after first session), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)

Maximum diaphragmatic excursion during maximal inspiration and expiration, measured by M-mode ultrasonography with a 1-5 MHz convex transducer in the right mid-clavicular subcostal region.

Unit of Measure: cm
Baseline (Day 1), Day 1 (immediately after first session), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Diaphragmatic Thickening Fraction
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Day 1 (immediately after first session), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)

Diaphragmatic thickening fraction calculated from B-mode ultrasound measurements of diaphragm thickness at end-maximal inspiration and end-maximal expiration, using a 4-12 MHz linear transducer at the zone of apposition.

Unit of Measure: percent
Baseline (Day 1), Day 1 (immediately after first session), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Proactive Core Stability - Time to Stabilization
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Time to stabilization of center of pressure after single-leg drop landing, measured via force plate. Lower time indicates better proactive core stability. Unit of Measure: seconds
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Proactive Core Stability - Trunk/Pelvis Angular Displacement
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Angular displacement of the trunk and pelvis during the stabilization phase following single-leg drop landing, measured via 3D motion capture. Unit of Measure: degrees
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Proactive Core Stability - Trunk/Pelvis Angular Velocity
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Angular velocity of the trunk and pelvis during the stabilization phase following single-leg drop landing, measured via 3D motion capture. Unit of Measure: degrees per second
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Proactive Core Stability - Peak Ground Reaction Force
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Peak ground reaction force during the stabilization phase following single-leg drop landing, measured via force plate. Unit of Measure: percent of body weight
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Proactive Core Stability - COP Path Length
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Total center-of-pressure trajectory length during the stabilization phase following single-leg drop landing, measured via force plate and normalized to foot length. Unit of Measure: mm
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Proactive Core Stability - Trunk Muscle EMG Amplitude
Lasso di tempo: Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)
Normalized EMG amplitude of trunk muscles during the early stabilization phase following single-leg drop landing. Unit of Measure: percent of MVIC
Baseline (Day 1), Week 8 (post-intervention), Week 16 (8 weeks after intervention completion)

Collaboratori e investigatori

Qui è dove troverai le persone e le organizzazioni coinvolte in questo studio.

Sponsor

National Cheng Kung University

Studiare le date dei record

Queste date tengono traccia dell'avanzamento della registrazione dello studio e dell'invio dei risultati di sintesi a ClinicalTrials.gov. I record degli studi e i risultati riportati vengono esaminati dalla National Library of Medicine (NLM) per assicurarsi che soddisfino specifici standard di controllo della qualità prima di essere pubblicati sul sito Web pubblico.

Studia le date principali

Inizio studio (Effettivo)

1 maggio 2026

Completamento primario (Stimato)

1 luglio 2029

Completamento dello studio (Stimato)

1 luglio 2029

Date di iscrizione allo studio

Primo inviato

2 luglio 2026

Primo inviato che soddisfa i criteri di controllo qualità

15 luglio 2026

Primo Inserito (Effettivo)

21 luglio 2026

Aggiornamenti dei record di studio

Ultimo aggiornamento pubblicato (Effettivo)

21 luglio 2026

Ultimo aggiornamento inviato che soddisfa i criteri QC

15 luglio 2026

Ultimo verificato

1 luglio 2026

Maggiori informazioni

Termini relativi a questo studio

Parole chiave

Altri numeri di identificazione dello studio

  • NCKU_Combat_Diaphragm

Piano per i dati dei singoli partecipanti (IPD)

Hai intenzione di condividere i dati dei singoli partecipanti (IPD)?

NO

Informazioni su farmaci e dispositivi, documenti di studio

Studia un prodotto farmaceutico regolamentato dalla FDA degli Stati Uniti

No

Studia un dispositivo regolamentato dalla FDA degli Stati Uniti

No

Queste informazioni sono state recuperate direttamente dal sito web clinicaltrials.gov senza alcuna modifica. In caso di richieste di modifica, rimozione o aggiornamento dei dettagli dello studio, contattare register@clinicaltrials.gov. Non appena verrà implementata una modifica su clinicaltrials.gov, questa verrà aggiornata automaticamente anche sul nostro sito web .

Sottoscrivi