# The effect of diaphragmatic breathing and diaphragmatic mobilization on physical performance, fear of falling, and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults: A randomized controlled trial

## TL;DR

This study shows that diaphragmatic breathing and mobilization can improve gait, reduce fear of falling, and enhance quality of life in older adults.

## Contribution

The study introduces diaphragmatic breathing and mobilization as novel interventions for improving physical and psychological outcomes in older adults.

## Key findings

- DB and DB+DM significantly improved gait velocity and TUG scores in older adults.
- Both interventions reduced fear of falling and fatigue while enhancing quality of life.
- Improvements in balance were limited, suggesting the need for further research.

## Abstract

Falls are a significant health concern among older adults, leading to reduced mobility, fear of falling, and poor quality of life. Diaphragmatic breathing (DB) and diaphragmatic mobilization (DM) may serve as therapeutic interventions to address these issues.

This study evaluated the effects of DB and combined DB and DM (DB + DM) on physical performance, fear of falling, and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults.

Fifty-four older adults (65–75 years) were randomized into group 1, DB; group 2, DB + DM; and group 3, control groups (18 per group). Interventions were delivered twice weekly for 8 weeks. Outcomes, including balance, gait performance, lower extremity strength, fear of falling (FoF), fatigue, and quality of life (QoL), were measured at baseline, post-treatment (8th week), and follow-up (10th week).

Significant group-by-time interaction effects (p < 0.05) were observed in all outcome measures except a few domains of Short-form 36 (SF-36). At post-treatment, the mini-BEST scores and the time to complete 5-time sit-to-stand test (5xSTS) of the DB and DB + DM groups did not significantly increase compared to baseline. The timed up-and-go (TUG) scores (η² = 0.279) and gait velocity (GV) (η² = 0.619) of both interventions significantly improved (p < 0.05) from baseline to post-treatment and follow-up. Scores for active balance confidence (ABC) (η² = 0.706), fatigue severity scale (FSS) (η² = 0.584), and specific domains of SF-36, physical function (η² = 0.211), pain (η² = 0.173), and general health (η² = 0.168) showed significant improvements in both intervention groups compared to the control group.

DB and DB + DM interventions significantly improved gait performance, FoF, fatigue, and QoL in community-dwelling older adults. However, their therapeutic effects on balance were limited and need further investigation.