Breathing pattern disorders and physiotherapy: inspiration for our profession

Abstract

Background: Breathing pattern disorders (BPDs), historically known as hyperventilation syndrome, are being increasingly recognized as an entity of their own. Breathing patterns reflect the functioning of the respiratory system and the biomechanical system as well as the cognitive state.

Clinical relevance: It is essential, therefore, that physiotherapists from all areas of specialty consider the assessment and treatment of a patient’s breathing pattern. New literature is emerging which underpins the relevance of BPD in patients with lung disease, anxiety, and also in the comparatively new area of sport performance. Physiotherapists are well placed to treat people with disordered breathing because of their clinical skills and comprehensive knowledge base. Current treatment is briefly reviewed in this paper, and trends for future treatment are also addressed.

Conclusion: The potential for improving the patient’s state, by optimizing their breathing pattern in all their activities, is an important development in physiotherapy. It is a developing area of knowledge which is pertinent to physiotherapy practice as it develops in a biopsychosocial model.

Keywords:

• Breathing dysfunction
• Breathing exercises
• Breathing pattern disorders
• Breathing retraining
• Hyperventilation syndrome