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

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether diaphragmatic breathing can reduce abdominal bloating. Participants will learn a special breathing technique from a physical therapist and practice it twice daily for four weeks. The goal is to determine if this simple exercise can alleviate bloating. It suits individuals referred for testing due to bloating issues. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to explore a non-invasive method for managing bloating symptoms.

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 prior data suggests that diaphragmatic breathing is safe for abdominal bloating?

Research has shown that diaphragmatic breathing is generally safe. Studies have found that this technique can improve exercise ability and lung function in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It also lowers blood pressure and heart rate, aiding relaxation. Additionally, diaphragmatic breathing may reduce stress and pain, particularly in patients with conditions like gastrointestinal cancer. Reports of negative effects from these exercises are rare, making it a well-tolerated practice. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about diaphragmatic breathing for abdominal bloating because it offers a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to traditional treatments like dietary changes and medications. This technique focuses on teaching patients to breathe deeply using their diaphragm, which can help improve digestion and reduce bloating by enhancing the movement of the digestive tract. Unlike other approaches that may have side effects, diaphragmatic breathing is safe, simple, and can be easily practiced at home, empowering patients to actively manage their symptoms.

What evidence suggests that diaphragmatic breathing is effective for abdominal bloating?

Research has shown that deep breathing using the diaphragm can alleviate symptoms like belly bloating. One study in individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) found that this breathing technique led to small but steady improvements in bloating. In this trial, participants will practice diaphragmatic breathing, known for benefits such as lowering blood pressure and heart rate and promoting relaxation. These effects might reduce the sensation of bloating by calming the body. Although more research is needed specifically on bloating, early results appear promising. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Brian E Lacy, MD

Principal Investigator

Mayo Clinic

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

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 for a Trial Participant

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

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

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.

How Is the Trial Designed?

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+

Published Research Related to This Trial

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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) 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]

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]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7602530/

Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Health: A Narrative ... DB appears to be effective for improving the exercise capacity and respiratory function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

2. va.gov va.gov/WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/tools/diaphragmatic-breathing.asp

Diaphragmatic Breathing - Whole Health Library Lying down on the belly typically allows people to feel the diaphragm muscle even when breathing with minimal effort. This can be practiced for five minutes, ...

3. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/ajg/fulltext/2025/10002/s1218_digitally_delivered_diaphragmatic_breathing.1219.aspx

S1218 Digitally Delivered Diaphragmatic Breathing ... In our real-world IBS cohort, diaphragmatic breathing was independently associated with modest, yet consistent symptom improvements across abdominal bloating, ...

4. my.clevelandclinic.org my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing

Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises & Benefits This breathing technique offers several benefits to your body including reducing your blood pressure and heart rate and improving relaxation.

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1744388121000141

Effects of diaphragmatic deep breathing exercises on ... This review concluded that diaphragmatic deep breathing could significantly improve autonomic dysfunction in patients with prehypertension and hypertension by ...

6. frontiersin.org frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00874/full

The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Attention ... The present study aimed to investigate the effect of diaphragmatic breathing on cognition, affect, and cortisol responses to stress.

7. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844024163141

Effect of deep diaphragmatic breathing on pain in patients ... The results of this study suggest that deep diaphragmatic breathing reduces pain in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.