Purpose:This study analyzed the immediate effects of intra-abdominal pressure with visual feedback on the muscle activation of the upper trapezius and sternomastoid during natural inspiration and forced inspiration in individuals with costal respiration.

Methods:The eighteen individuals with upper costal breathing pattern participated in this study. Surface electromyography was used to analyze the muscle activity of the upper trapezius and sternomastoid during natural inspiration and forced inspiration before and after intra-abdominal pressure.

Results:A significant difference in muscle activation was observed with the muscle type, inspiration type, and test session (p<0.05). The muscle activities of the sternomastoid and upper trapezius decreased significantly during forced inspiration after intra-abdominal pressure training (p<0.05). On the other hand, there was no significant difference during natural inspiration in both muscles (p>0.05). A comparison of the difference between the pre-test and post-test during forced inspiration revealed the upper trapezius to be significantly larger than the sternomastoid (p<0.05). No significant difference was noted during natural inspiration (p>0.05).

Conclusion:The intra-abdominal pressure has positive effects on correcting the breathing patterns in individuals with costal respiration.