Ask Dr. Nick
On today’s episode, Dr. Nick talks about how breathing can improve balance and posture. Breathing is essential to life as it is how we get oxygen from the air; however, proper breathing is important for many other aspects of our health. The diaphragm is the main muscle of respiration because as it descends under the rib cage, the lungs fill with air.
At the same time, the diaphragm is also important in postural/lumbar stability, gastrointestinal functions, and venous and lymphatic return. With its function in postural control, it makes sense that it would play a role in balance. Much of this is through the formation of intra-abdominal pressure during proper diaphragm contraction that relays necessary signals back to the brain. Check out the video for more in depth information on diaphragmatic breathing and how it supports balance!
Kocjan J, Gzik-Zroska B, Nowakowska K, Burkacki M, Suchoń S, Michnik R, Czyżewski D, Adamek M. Impact of diaphragm function parameters on balance maintenance. PLoS One. 2018 Dec 28;13(12):e0208697.
