Diaphragmatic Breathing for Abdominal Bloating

Overseen By Robert C Chase, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Mayo Clinic

Disqualifiers: Not referred for breath testing

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 1 Jurisdiction This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 4 weeks

35 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of diaphragmatic breathing using the validated Mayo Bloating Questionnaire.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment diaphragmatic breathing for abdominal bloating?

Diaphragmatic breathing has been shown to help with breathing issues in conditions like asthma and COPD (a lung disease), where it can reduce symptoms and improve breathing efficiency. This suggests it might also help with abdominal bloating by improving overall breathing patterns and reducing discomfort. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is diaphragmatic breathing safe for humans?

Diaphragmatic breathing is generally considered safe for humans and may help with stress reduction and respiratory function. However, people with certain conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should be cautious, as it might worsen symptoms like breathlessness and fatigue in some cases. ^{1 2 6 7 8}

How does diaphragmatic breathing differ from other treatments for abdominal bloating?

Diaphragmatic breathing is unique because it focuses on using the diaphragm to breathe deeply, which can help regulate pressure in the abdomen and improve the function of the gastrointestinal system. Unlike medications or other treatments, it is a non-invasive technique that also promotes relaxation and can positively affect the nervous system. ^{1 2 6 8 9}

Research Team

Brian E Lacy, MD

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Eligibility Criteria

This clinical trial is for individuals who have been referred for breath testing because they experience abdominal bloating. It's not open to those who haven't been referred for such testing specifically due to bloating.

Inclusion Criteria

Referred for breath testing for the indication of bloating

Exclusion Criteria

Not referred for breath testing for the indication of bloating.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1-2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive instruction in diaphragmatic breathing techniques and practice twice daily for 4 weeks

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in symptoms using the Mayo Bloating Questionnaire

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Diaphragmatic Breathing

Trial Overview The study is examining the effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing as a treatment for abdominal bloating and distension, using a recognized questionnaire called the Mayo Bloating Questionnaire to measure results.

Participant Groups

Group I: Diaphragmatic Breathing Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Patients will complete the Mayo Bloating Questionnaire (MBQ) before referral to a physical therapist for in diaphragmatic breathing (DB) techniques over a 30-minute session. The patient will be instructed to complete 5-10 minutes of diaphragmatic breathing twice a day for a period of 4 weeks. At the end of the 4-week follow up period, patients will repeat the MBQ and self-report their adherence to daily diaphragmatic breathing.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Mayo Clinic

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,427

Recruited

3,221,000+

Findings from Research

In a study of 18 participants with COPD, diaphragmatic breathing significantly increased diaphragmatic muscle activity from baseline, indicating its potential to enhance respiratory function.

Despite the increase in diaphragmatic activity, there was no corresponding reduction in perceived dyspnoea, suggesting that while diaphragmatic breathing may strengthen respiratory muscles, it may not alleviate breathlessness in COPD patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of positioning and diaphragmatic breathing exercises on respiratory muscle activity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Morrow, B., Brink, J., Grace, S., et al.[2022]

Diaphragmatic breathing (DB) may not be effective for all individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly those with moderate to severe COPD and significant lung hyperinflation, as they may not benefit from this technique.

Patients with COPD who have high respiratory rates and low tidal volumes that improve during DB may experience benefits, but careful monitoring is necessary to avoid worsening symptoms like dyspnea and fatigue.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of diaphragmatic breathing in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review of the literature. Cahalin, LP., Braga, M., Matsuo, Y., et al.[2022]

A study involving 67 asthmatic adults showed that a 16-week deep diaphragmatic breathing training significantly reduced medication use and the intensity of asthma symptoms.

Participants also experienced a nearly 300% increase in physical activity levels, although many returned to previous medication use and sedentary habits after two months, indicating the need for ongoing support to maintain benefits.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Deep diaphragmatic breathing: rehabilitation exercises for the asthmatic patient. Girodo, M., Ekstrand, KA., Metivier, GJ.[2004]

Preoperative respiratory physiotherapy, which included breathing exercises, did not significantly improve lung function as measured by spirometry in patients undergoing abdominoplasty.

However, patients who participated in the breathing exercises had lower intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) during surgery, suggesting that these exercises may help reduce IAP, which could be beneficial for surgical outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preoperative Respiratory Physiotherapy in Abdominoplasty Patients. Rodrigues, MA., Ferreira, LM., de Carvalho Calvi, EN., et al.[2022]

Diaphragmatic respiration in patients with bronchopneumopathy significantly enhances carbon dioxide output (VCO2) while reducing oxygen consumption (VO2), particularly when the patients are in a supine position.

This breathing technique improves ventilation efficiency by decreasing the breathing rate and increasing alveolar ventilation (VA), which positively affects the ventilation-perfusion ratio (VA/Q) at the same metabolic rate.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of diaphragmatic respiration on some cardiorespiratory parameters during rehabilitation in bronchopneumopathic patients. Aquilani, R., Poggi, G.[2004]

Diaphragmatic breathing has been shown to effectively reduce both physiological and psychological stress in adults, making it a useful technique for stress management.

The review of studies indicates that this breathing method can lead to measurable improvements in stress-related symptoms, enhancing overall well-being.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing on physiological and psychological stress in adults: a quantitative systematic review protocol. Hopper, SI., Murray, SL., Ferrara, LR., et al.[2023]

Diaphragmatic breathing (DB) has shown effectiveness in improving exercise capacity and respiratory function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), based on a review of 10 systematic reviews and 15 randomized controlled trials.

While the overall clinical usefulness of DB remains uncertain due to the poor quality of studies, it may offer benefits for reducing stress and improving quality of life in various conditions, including asthma, anxiety, and heart failure.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Health: A Narrative Review. Hamasaki, H.[2020]

Deep diaphragmatic breathing (DDB) is a holistic technique that enhances the function of the gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, and nervous systems by coordinating the diaphragm, pelvic floor, and abdominal muscles.

The study provides updated anatomical and biomechanical insights into DDB, which can help healthcare professionals improve patient education and care management during DDB interventions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing-Anatomical and Biomechanical Consideration. Liu, H., Wiedman, CM., Lovelace-Chandler, V., et al.[2023]

In a study of 25 severe COPD patients, deep diaphragmatic breathing significantly improved blood oxygen levels (Ptc,O2) and reduced carbon dioxide levels (Ptc,CO2), indicating better gas exchange.

However, while deep breathing improved blood gases, it also increased the effort required for breathing and worsened feelings of breathlessness (dyspnoea), suggesting that it may not be comfortable for all patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute effects of deep diaphragmatic breathing in COPD patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. Vitacca, M., Clini, E., Bianchi, L., et al.[2022]

References

1. South Africa pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of positioning and diaphragmatic breathing exercises on respiratory muscle activity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [2022]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy of diaphragmatic breathing in persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a review of the literature. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Deep diaphragmatic breathing: rehabilitation exercises for the asthmatic patient. [2004]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Preoperative Respiratory Physiotherapy in Abdominoplasty Patients. [2022]

5. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of diaphragmatic respiration on some cardiorespiratory parameters during rehabilitation in bronchopneumopathic patients. [2004]

6. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of diaphragmatic breathing on physiological and psychological stress in adults: a quantitative systematic review protocol. [2023]

7. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Health: A Narrative Review. [2020]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing-Anatomical and Biomechanical Consideration. [2023]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Acute effects of deep diaphragmatic breathing in COPD patients with chronic respiratory insufficiency. [2022]