Prevalence of Breathing Dysfunction in Musculoskeletal Complaints: A Cross Sectional Study

Breathing is the most vital and important function of our body which helps in the maintenance of homeostasis of our body. Breathing being the multifactorial function dependant on Biochemical, Biomechanical, Psychosocial and Neuromusculoskeletal components. The vector of all components results breathing as the complex yet crucial function of our body. This breathing can be affected in any of the conditions affecting any of the above mentioned components. One of the reason being the imbalance between parasympathetic (PNS) and sympathetic (SNS) component of Autonomous Nervous System(ANS). Imbalance between PNS and SNS can result in the “Flight and Fight mode” which keeps the Pain factor on resulting in faulty breathing leading to Breathing Dysfunction. In the present observational cross sectional study, 200 individuals with various musculoskeletal complaints were identified and given, “Self assessment of breathing questionnaire” and “Nijmegen Questionnaire” as these questionnaires covers Biomechanical and Psychosocial aspects of breathing respectively. Scoring for both the questionnaires were done for each individual and data was recorded and analysed using pie chart. we concluded that breathing dysfunction is present in various musculoskeletal complaints predominantly in back pain, followed by neck pain, shoulder pain, and knee pain. Most affected gender is female affecting the Biomechanical as well as psychosocial component. We recommend further research for detailed assessment of breathing in various musculoskeletal conditions.Key words: Breathing Dysfunction, Musculoskeletal complaints, SEBQ, Nijmegen, Autonomous Nervous system.