Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Shoulder Rotational Mobility- Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Aim: Shoulder mobility has an important place in both sports and daily life activities. The low rotational mobility of the shoulder in sports injuries is considered to be in the first place in the aetiology. The innervational and myofascial connection between the diaphragm muscle and the shoulder is known. This study aims to examine the instantaneous effect of the breathing exercise focused on the diaphragm muscle on shoulder mobility. Method: 136 young, healthy, recreationally active adults aged 18-25 years were included in the study. Participants were randomly divided into two groups the intervention group (n=86) and the control group (n=50). The control group did nothing for 90 seconds while the intervention group engaged in the diaphragmatic breathing technique that had previously been taught. Shoulder mobility was assessed using the Functional Movement Screen (FMS™) test both before and after the intervention. Results: Although substantial gains in shoulder mobility were observed in both shoulders of the intervention group, only the left shoulder in the control group exhibited a significant increase in mobility. In the comparison between the groups, there is a significant difference in both arms before and after the intervention (p<0,05). Conclusion: The present study demonstrates the impact of diaphragmatic exercise on shoulder mobility. Nevertheless, for cases involving shoulder pain or considerable mobility limitations, further studies are necessary to evaluate not only the acute effects but also the outcomes of longer-term training.