Impact Of Diaphragmatic Breathing On Psychological Stress And Quality Of Life In Individuals With Cervical Stiffness.

Abstract

Background: Neck tension and pain is a musculoskeletal disorder which have a significant consequences on functions and quality of life. Increased neck stiffness is commonly reported in individuals suffering from acute psychological stress. Sympathetic system is activated as a result of exposure to acute stress and cause neck muscle stiffness (upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and scalenes) and compromised quality of life. Diaphragmatic breathing reduces stress as a result of which, muscle tension is reduced and overall quality of life is improved significantly. It provides a simple, non pharmacological treatment of stress induced neck stiffness. Aims and Objectives: This study aimed to reduce cervical muscle stiffness, decreasing stress, and improving quality of life through deep diaphragmatic breathing in 18-40 years adults. Material and Methodology: This quasi-experimental study used purposive sampling technique for sample selection. Participants aged 18-40 from were selected from physical therapy and orthopedic OPD of Allied hospital, DHQ hospital Faisalabad and baseline characteristics were assessed using Goniometer to measure range of motion for assessment of cervical muscle stiffness, perceived stress scale (PSS-10) for evaluation of stress, and Quality Of Life (QOL) questionnaire for functional assessment. Selected participants performed diaphragmatic breathing exercise 10-15 minutes, 4 days a week, followed by controlled 4 second inhale and 6 second exhale pattern for 6 weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment first post treatment assessment is done and final assessment is done after 6 weeks of treatment using same tools to compare changes within the group. Results: By using repeated measure ANOVA test analysis there is statistically significant improvement in cervical range of motions and quality of life with p-value of <0.05. Stress score is also improved significantly, p value <0.05.  Conclusion: this study concluded that diaphragmatic breathing is an effective intervention in patients suffering from neck stiffness due to acute psychological stress.