Samenvatting

Introduction: This study investigates a potentially new tool for physiotherapeutic fall prevention in elderly, namely Abdominal Breathing (AB). So far clinical relevance on this topic has been limited, because Normal Breathing (NB) was not included and because tasks were not sufficiently challenging to provoke and measure falls (or less extremely, failure to maintain posture).
Objective: Specifically, this study aimed to determine whether AB improves balance performance compared to NB and TB, in challenging balance conditions.

Method: A randomized cross over experiment was performed to compare effects of AB, NB and TB on balance with 12 healthy, young physiotherapy students. Outcome measures were Balance Error Scoring System (BESS) scores, number of trials in which steps/falls occurred and six center of pressure parameters (obtained with a force plate).

Results: No significant differences or trends were found between the breathing patterns.

Conclusion: The results suggest that AB does not offer significant protection in situations in which balance is challenged.