Comparison of respiratory muscle activities and cardiovascular function during different breathing types in healthy adults: Costal breathing, flow incentive spirometry, and volume incentive spirometry

What is it about?

Triflow device to improve lung volume in patients due to its low cost and visual feedback. However, the Volume Incentive Spirometer (e.g., Voldyne) is also effective. In fact, breathing exercises using only one’s hands such as Costal Breathing Exercise (BE) with Sustained Maximal Inspiration (SMI) can yield comparable results. Surface EMG studies show that both devices activate accessory muscles significantly, increasing the work of breathing.

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Why is it important?

Both device-assisted breathing and manual methods like Costal BE with SMI can also stimulate the inferior external intercostal muscles. While diaphragm activity cannot be measured directly, it can be assessed indirectly through these methods. Moreover, Triflow use may lead to increased cardiovascular variability during training. Therefore, with proper technique, even simple, hands-on breathing exercises can be effective in patient care. If devices are used, they should be selected appropriately based on individual needs.