Effects of deep breathing on dynamic balance in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain

Authors

  • Mohammed Shawki Abdelsalam Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt. Department of Physical Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disorders and its Surgery, School of Physical Therapy, Badya University, Giza, Egypt. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1396-6555
  • Amira Mohamed Afify Department of Physical Therapy for Internal, Cardiopulmonary and Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Al-Ryada University for Science and technology, Menofia, Egypt. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0182-3135
  • Heba Mohamed Gaber Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular Disorders and its Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Al-Ryada University for Science and Technology, Menofia, Egypt. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-5513-4391
  • Saied Mohamed Ibrahim Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Al-Ryada University for Science and Technology, Sadat City, Menofia, Egypt. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9428-9700
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.726471
Keywords: Low back pain, balance, deep breathing, diaphragm, posture

Abstract

The diaphragm serves a dual role as the primary muscle of respiration and a core muscle that contributes to postural control. It is important to optimize both roles. However, in cases of low back pain (LBP), this optimization is compromised due to alterations in respiratory patterns in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain (CMLBP). The literature has not confirmed whether a deep breathing pattern (DBP) might enhance the diaphragm's postural control function in patients with CMLBP. Primarily, this study investigated whether DBP might improve dynamic balance in patients with CMLBP. Secondarily, it examined differences in dynamic balance between patients and healthy subjects using DBP versus their spontaneous breathing pattern (SBP), as well as the correlation between pain and dynamic balance in the patient group across both breathing patterns. Dynamic balance was assessed in 15 patients with CMLBP and 15 matched healthy subjects during DBP and SBP. Patients with CMLBP significantly improved their dynamic balance when using DBP. However, healthy subjects showed enhanced dynamic balance using either breathing pattern. Furthermore, pain did not significantly correlate with dynamic balance control in the CMLBP group. It is recommended to encourage DBP in patients with CMLBP, as it may enhance dynamic balance, probably by emphasizing the diaphragm's postural role.

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Published
12-07-2026
How to Cite
Abdelsalam, M. S., Afify, A. M., Gaber, H. M., & Ibrahim, S. M. (2026). Effects of deep breathing on dynamic balance in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain. SPORT TK-EuroAmerican Journal of Sport Sciences, 15, 66. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.726471
Issue
Vol. 15 (2026)
Section
Articles

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1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.

© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013

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