Breathing Pattern Disorder: Translating Breathing at Rest to Exercise

Breathing pattern disorder (BPD) is an abnormal pattern of ventilation and movements of the upper and lower ribcage and abdomen that results in a constellation of symptoms. This paper discusses the management of BPD from a technical standpoint. Since there is not a one-size-fits-all model for practice, we offer a toolbox approach to care with quick reference tables and diagrams that allow the practitioner to easily find treatement approaches that may suite their athlete. While this article uses the athlete as a reference for treatment, there is also a consideration for how to approach the co-morbid patient as well.