Breathing Analysis

Most of us take breathing for granted and are often unaware that our subconscious and habitual breathing patterns are inefficient. The lower lobes of the lungs have the largest volume and the most effective gas transfer in upright postures, yet it is common that people only inflate the smaller upper lobes of the lungs even during vigorous exercise.

Breathing at rest is a predominantly passive activity, but as breathing demand increases you require greater muscle activity to expand the ribcage during inspiration and to force air out of the lungs during expiration.

The majority of the 18 muscles that can contribute to respiration also have a role in posture and movement of the spine, pelvis and shoulder complex. Postural integrity is of primary importance in any activity, and the body will automatically use muscles for this purpose, even if this will limit their ability to contribute to respiratory function.

Cycling Physiotherapy Centre utilise a combination of hands-on treatment, exercises and rider positioning adjustments to improve your awareness of your respiratory pattern, to increase your ability to expand your ribcage and inflate your lungs, to assist your recovery from high-intensity efforts, and to minimise the need to recruit respiratory muscles for core stability functions whilst cycling.