Breathing out Ankle Instability: Addressing Impairments in Diaphragm Function associated with Chronic Ankle Instability

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K19433
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 59010:Rehabilitation science-related
• Research Institution: Ritsumeikan University
• Principal Investigator: Terada Masafumi 立命館大学, スポーツ健康科学部, 講師 (50779064)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 横隔膜 / 呼吸 / 足関節捻挫

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a diaphragmatic breathing exercise program in improving self-reported instability, dynamic postural control, diaphragm function, and breathing patterns among individuals with chronic ankle instability (CAI) and a history of lateral ankle sprain. A 6-week diaphragmatic breathing exercise program improved outcome measures related to self-reported instability, dynamic postural control, diaphragm function, and breathing patterns in the diaphragmatic breathing exercise program group while these outcome measures did not change in the control group. A 6-week MBEP may be effective in improving self-reported stability, dynamic balance, diaphragm function, and a biomechanics dimension of breathing patterns. Incorporating diaphragmatic breathing exercises in rehabilitation and prevention programs may have beneficial effects in individuals with CAI and a history of lateral ankle sprain.

Free Research Field

リハビリテーション科学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究の成果は, 横隔膜の機能を改善することを目的とした呼吸エクササイズ処方により慢性足関節不安定症を有する者の横隔膜の機能が改善され，身体的・主観的機能が向上する可能性が高いと期待される．また, 本研究の成果は, 慢性足関節不安定症の継続による二次的障害の予防, 捻挫後の安定性の再獲得および向上に有効な治療プログラムを開発することにつながる．さらには, 本研究により得られた知見は, 効果的な足関節捻挫の再発予防のトレーニングやリハビリテーションの指導現場に提案することができ, 足関節捻挫再発予防の介入方法に対して新たな科学的知見を加えることができると考えられる．