Core function research shows: when there is a respiratory demand increase, the respiratory muscles will decrease postural control for the immediate needs of respiration.
What does this mean for athletes?
Decreased postural control can result in injury (oblique injuries).
The diaphragm is a muscle that needs to be trained to help breathe efficiently under physical demand and stress. Inhale through the nose and feel lower rib expansion for the count of three; exhale through the nose gently drawing ribcage down for the count of four.
Practice deep breathing for a few minutes every day.
