Effects of Combined Thoracic and Diaphragmatic Breathing on Cognitive and Psycho-Physiological Functions

The Effects of Combined Thoracic Expansion Exercises and Slow Diaphragmatic Breathing on Cognitive Function, Brain Activation, Psychological Status, and Head-Shoulder Posture in Healthy Adults

This study aims to investigate the effects of a combined thoracic expansion exercise (TEE) and slow diaphragmatic breathing (SDB) program on cognitive function, brain activation, psychological status, and head-shoulder posture in healthy young adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. age between 18 to 30 years with at least a high school education to ensure baseline cognitive task comprehension
2. the ability to adhere to verbal instructions
3. no regular participation in formal breathing exercise or mindfulness training within the past six months.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. a history of musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, or cerebrovascular diseases which may interfere this study
2. history of respiratory disease or recent respiratory infection
3. diabetes mellitus with neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, or other neurological disorders
4. major surgery within the past six months
5. Current or past major psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairment
6. use of medications significantly affecting cerebral hemodynamics or autonomic function (e.g., beta-blockers, vasodilators) within the past 2 weeks
7. use of psychotropic medications or substances known to alter cerebral blood flow, neural activation, or autonomic regulation (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics, stimulants, or sedative-hypnotics).