Effect of upper costal and costo-diaphragmatic breathing types on electromyographic activity of respiratory muscles.
OBJECTIVE
To compare electromyographic (EMG) activity in young-adult subjects with different breathing types.


METHODS
This study included 50 healthy male subjects with complete natural dentition, and no history of orofacial pain or craniomandibular-cervical-spinal disorders. Subjects were classified into two groups: upper costal breathing type, and costo-diaphragmatic breathing. Bipolar surface electrodes were located on sternocleidomastoid, diaphragm, external intercostal, and latissimus dorsi muscles. Electromyographic activity was recorded during the following tasks: (1) normal quiet breathing; (2) speaking the word 'Mississippi'; (3) swallowing saliva; and (4) forced deep breathing.


RESULTS
Sternocleidomastoid and latissimus dorsi EMG activity was not significantly different between breathing types, whereas diaphragm and external intercostal EMG activity was significantly higher in the upper costal than costo-diaphragmatic breathing type in all tasks (P<0·05; Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test).


CONCLUSIONS
Diaphragm and external intercostal EMG activity suggests that there could be differences in motor unit recruitment strategies depending on the breathing type.
Isabel
I
Celhay
Rosa
R
Cordova
Rodolfo
R
Miralles
Francisco
F
Meza
Pia
P
Erices
Camilo
C
Barrientos
Saúl
S
Valenzuela
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003964:Diaphragm / Q000502:physiology*; D004576:Electromyography; D064368:Healthy Volunteers; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000502:physiology*; D012119:Respiration; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000502:physiology*
Breathing types,; Electromyography,; Forced deep breathing; Normal quiet breathing,; Speech,; Swallowing,