Respiratory training method and system based on progressive resistance and neuromuscular calibration
By employing progressive resistance and neuromuscular calibration training methods, the systematization and resistance quantification issues of breathing training have been resolved, achieving efficient and sustainable conversion of breathing training effects.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- BIOTECH (SHANGHAI) MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-10
AI Technical Summary
Existing breathing training methods lack a systematic process, neglect neuromuscular connections, and fail to provide quantifiable progressive resistance, resulting in inconsistent training effects that cannot be translated into actual athletic performance.
The progressive resistance and neuromuscular calibration training method is adopted, including neuromuscular preparation, calibration and reinforcement steps. The correct breathing pattern is established through tactile stimulation and postural guidance, and training is carried out using a graded resistance elastic air chamber device.
It significantly improves breathing efficiency, forms muscle memory, is suitable for different groups of people, reduces the activity of compensatory muscle groups, and the training results can be translated into actual athletic performance.
Smart Images
Figure CN121819282A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of health and sports training technology, specifically to a breathing training method and system based on progressive resistance and neuromuscular calibration. Background Technology
[0002] Respiratory function training methods play an important role in health maintenance, athletic performance improvement, and clinical rehabilitation. However, existing respiratory training methods and tools have many technical shortcomings: 1. Lack of a systematic process: Traditional training often involves isolated movements (such as simple diaphragmatic breathing or the use of resistance-free progressive trainers), lacking a scientific closed-loop process from sensory arousal to pattern establishment and then to load reinforcement, resulting in random and unsustainable training effects. 2. Weak neuromuscular connections: Most methods neglect neural recruitment and proprioceptive arousal before training. If users perform load training before establishing correct awareness of diaphragmatic-core muscle activation, it can easily lead to incorrect activation of compensatory muscles in the neck, shoulders, etc., resulting not only in poor effectiveness but also potentially solidifying incorrect breathing patterns. 3. Lack of quantifiable progressive overload: Existing tools lack intuitive resistance adjustment or have large level ranges, failing to provide smooth, precise, and quantifiable progressive resistance for different groups (children, adults, athletes), violating the principle of "progressive overload" and limiting the upper limit of training effects. 4. Disconnect between training and function: Traditional training focuses only on breathing itself, ignoring the function of breathing as the cornerstone of core stability. It fails to combine breathing patterns with intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) management, making it difficult to translate training results into actual athletic performance or daily posture improvement.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a highly efficient and safe breathing training method and system that integrates a systematic process, precise neuromuscular calibration, and quantified progressive resistance. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a breathing training method and system based on progressive resistance and neuromuscular calibration.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A breathing training method based on progressive resistance and neuromuscular calibration includes the following steps: Step 1: Unlocking Steps: Neuromuscular preparation phase, inhibiting the overactivity of respiratory compensatory muscle groups, while awakening the proprioception of the diaphragm, laying the foundation for establishing the correct breathing pattern in the future. Specifically, at least one neuromuscular preparatory activity is performed, including: Tactile stimulation of the diaphragm: The operator or assistant applies a slight pressure of 50-100g along the lower edge of the trainee's ribs inward and upward using their index and middle fingers. As the trainee inhales slowly, the operator feels the resistance of the diaphragm's descent against their fingertips, confirming the diaphragm's participation in respiratory movements. The trainee simultaneously perceives the contraction and descent of the diaphragm. As the trainee exhales, the operator releases the pressure with their fingertips, avoiding obstruction of diaphragmatic relaxation. Each stimulation lasts for 3-5 respiratory cycles, repeated 2-3 times. Breathing accessory muscle stretching: including static stretching of the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles, hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds, repeat 2-3 times; Step Two: Calibration Step: Ideal Movement Pattern Establishment Stage. Under no-load or very low-load conditions, through postural guidance and movement control, establish and solidify the thoracoabdominal breathing movement pattern to ensure the coordinated contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm, transverse abdominis muscle and pelvic floor muscles. Specific operations include: Positioning: The trainee lies supine with knees bent at approximately 90°, feet flat on the support surface, back naturally pressed against the support surface, shoulders relaxed, and avoids shrugging. This position can reduce the interference of back muscle tension on breathing and reduce diaphragmatic resistance. Movement control: The trainee places one palm down on the upper abdomen, 2-3 cm above the navel, and the other palm down on the chest, in the lower middle part of the sternum; slowly inhale through the nose for 3-5 seconds, prioritizing the abdominal hand to rise as the transverse abdominis muscle contracts and the diaphragm descends, with the abdominal rise greater than the chest rise. Then, the chest hand is slightly raised as the ribcage expands slightly, with the chest rise being ≤1 / 2 of the abdominal rise. After briefly holding the breath for 1-2 seconds at the end of inhalation, slowly exhale through the mouth for 4-6 seconds, with the abdominal hand naturally falling as the transverse abdominis muscle contracts and the diaphragm rises. At the same time, the trainee actively feels the inward tightening of the deep abdominal / transverse abdominis muscles, and the chest hand falls back as the ribcage contracts. Training duration and standards: Each training session lasts 10-15 minutes, and training continues for 3-5 days. When the trainee can stably reproduce the chest-abdomen joint pattern of first raising the abdomen and then slightly raising the chest for 10 consecutive breaths without guidance, and without compensatory phenomena such as shrugging the shoulders or neck muscle tension, the calibration step is considered to have been completed. Step 3: The reinforcement step is the progressive resistance reinforcement stage, which specifically includes: selecting an elastic air cavity type resistance device with preset graded resistance. Inhale while maintaining the breathing pattern established in step two. During the exhalation phase, blow gas into the elastic air chamber resistance device at a constant speed until the device is fully filled or the single exhalation limit is reached. Preferably, the elastic air cavity resistance device is a breathing training balloon, and its resistance grading is achieved through differences in balloon size, wall thickness or material, including at least 3 resistance levels. Preferably, the resistance levels of the breathing training balloon include the L1 to M3 series, where L1 is the lowest resistance level and M3 is the highest resistance level. When the preset advanced conditions are met, the elastic air cavity resistance device with a higher resistance level is replaced; if the advanced conditions are not met, the current resistance training is repeated.
[0006] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the advanced condition is: maintaining a standard breathing pattern without significant compensation for three consecutive sets of five complete exhalations.
[0007] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the training guide is a standardized document that instructs users to perform the above-described breathing training method, namely steps one to three, and may be in the form of, but is not limited to, printed materials, electronic documents, or applications.
[0008] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the guide includes: a graphic / video demonstration of neuromuscular preparation activities, as well as a schematic diagram of the body position for calibration steps, hand placement methods, and key points for controlling breathing rhythm.
[0009] This invention offers the following advantages: By unlocking the tactile stimulation and muscle stretching in the process, it precisely inhibits compensatory muscle activity and awakens the diaphragm's proprioception, making the diaphragm the dominant muscle group for respiration. This solves the problem of compensatory thoracic breathing in traditional training, significantly improving respiratory efficiency. The calibration process, under no-load conditions, guides users through posture and movement control, helping them quickly establish and solidify a combined chest and abdominal breathing pattern. Muscle memory can be formed in 3-5 days, laying a correct foundation for subsequent resistance training. The progressive resistance design (L1 to M3 levels) combined with clear progression conditions avoids respiratory fatigue due to excessive resistance or ineffective training due to insufficient resistance, making it suitable for users of varying skill levels. The exhalation time is controlled at 3-8 seconds, conforming to respiratory physiology and reducing the risk of hypoxia. This invention is a complete training system covering the entire process of "preparation-calibration-reinforcement." The multi-format presentation of the guide (text, video, and app) facilitates user self-operation and can be widely applied in hospital rehabilitation departments, home care, fitness institutions, and other scenarios. It is suitable for postoperative patients, patients with respiratory diseases, and healthy individuals. Attached Figure Description
[0010] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a breathing training method based on progressive resistance and neuromuscular calibration proposed in this invention. Detailed Implementation
[0011] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0012] Please see Figure 1 As shown, the method of the present invention includes an unlocking step, a calibration step, and a reinforcement step. The trainee first enters the unlocking step to perform neuromuscular preparatory activities; after unlocking, the trainee enters the calibration step to establish a correct breathing pattern; after successful calibration, the trainee enters the reinforcement step to train using an elastic air chamber resistance device, and the difficulty is increased based on feedback, forming a complete closed-loop training system, specifically including the following steps: Step 1: Unlocking Step, Neuromuscular Preparation Phase. This step inhibits the overactivity of respiratory compensatory muscle groups while simultaneously awakening the proprioception of the diaphragm, laying the foundation for establishing the correct breathing pattern in the future. Specifically, at least one neuromuscular preparatory activity is performed, including: Tactile stimulation of the diaphragm: The operator or assistant applies a slight pressure of 50-100g along the lower edge of the trainee's ribs inward and upward using their index and middle fingers. As the trainee inhales slowly, the operator feels the resistance of the diaphragm's descent against their fingertips, confirming the diaphragm's participation in respiratory movements. The trainee simultaneously perceives the contraction and descent of the diaphragm. As the trainee exhales, the operator releases the pressure with their fingertips, avoiding obstruction of diaphragmatic relaxation. Each stimulation lasts for 3-5 respiratory cycles, repeated 2-3 times. Stretching of respiratory accessory muscles: This includes static stretching of the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times. Step Two: Calibration Steps, Ideal Movement Pattern Establishment Stage. Under no-load or very low-load conditions, through postural guidance and movement control, establish and solidify the thoracoabdominal breathing movement pattern to ensure the coordinated contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm, transverse abdominis muscle and pelvic floor muscles. Specific operations include: Positioning: The trainee lies supine with knees bent at approximately 90°, feet flat on the support surface, back naturally pressed against the support surface, shoulders relaxed, and avoids shrugging. This position can reduce the interference of back muscle tension on breathing and reduce diaphragmatic resistance. Movement control: The trainee places one palm down on the upper abdomen, 2-3 cm above the navel, and the other palm down on the chest, in the lower middle part of the sternum; slowly inhale through the nose for 3-5 seconds, prioritizing the abdominal hand to rise as the transverse abdominis muscle contracts and the diaphragm descends, with the abdominal rise greater than the chest rise. Then, the chest hand is slightly raised as the ribcage expands slightly, with the chest rise being ≤1 / 2 of the abdominal rise. After briefly holding the breath for 1-2 seconds at the end of inhalation, slowly exhale through the mouth for 4-6 seconds, with the abdominal hand naturally falling as the transverse abdominis muscle contracts and the diaphragm rises. At the same time, the trainee actively feels the inward tightening of the deep abdominal / transverse abdominis muscles, and the chest hand falls back as the ribcage contracts. Training duration and standards: Each training session should last 10-15 minutes, with 3-5 consecutive days of training. When the trainee can consistently reproduce the thoracoabdominal breathing pattern of the abdomen first rising and then the chest slightly rising for 10 consecutive breaths without guidance, and without compensatory phenomena such as shoulder shrugging or neck muscle tension, the calibration step is considered complete. Step 3: The reinforcement step is the progressive resistance reinforcement stage, which specifically includes: selecting an elastic air cavity type resistance device with preset graded resistance. While maintaining the breathing pattern established in step two, inhale and exhale while blowing gas into the elastic air chamber resistance device at a constant speed until the device is fully filled or the single exhalation limit is reached.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic air chamber resistance device is a breathing training balloon, and its resistance grading is achieved through differences in balloon size, wall thickness, or material, including at least 3 resistance levels; the resistance levels of the breathing training balloon include the L1 to M3 series, where L1 is the lowest resistance level and M3 is the highest resistance level; When the preset advancement conditions are met, the elastic air cavity resistance device with a higher resistance level is replaced; if the advancement conditions are not met, the current resistance training is repeated. The advanced condition is: maintaining a standard breathing pattern without significant compensation for 3 consecutive sets of 5 complete breaths each.
[0014] The training guide is a standardized document that instructs users to perform the above breathing training methods, namely steps one through three, and may be in the form of, but is not limited to, printed materials, electronic documents, or applications. The guidelines should include: illustrated / video demonstrations of neuromuscular preparation activities, as well as schematic diagrams of body positions, hand placement methods, and key points for controlling breathing rhythm in the calibration process.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, a breathing training system includes: an elastic air chamber resistance device with preset graded resistance; and a training guide to instruct the user on how to perform breathing training methods, which may be a printed material, an electronic document, or an application.
[0016] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A breathing training method based on progressive resistance and neuromuscular calibration, characterized in that, This includes the following steps, which are executed sequentially: Step 1: Unlocking step, the neuromuscular preparation phase, specifically includes: performing at least one neuromuscular preparation activity to inhibit the overactivity of respiratory compensatory muscle groups and awaken proprioception of the diaphragm; the neuromuscular preparation activity includes tactile stimulation of the diaphragm and / or stretching of respiratory accessory muscle groups. Step Two: Calibration Step, the stage for establishing the ideal movement pattern, specifically includes: under no-load or very low-load conditions, through postural guidance and movement control, establishing and solidifying the thoracoabdominal breathing movement pattern, ensuring the coordinated contraction and relaxation of the diaphragm, transverse abdominis muscle and pelvic floor muscles; Step 3: The reinforcement step is the progressive resistance reinforcement stage, which specifically includes: selecting an elastic air cavity type resistance device with preset graded resistance. While maintaining the breathing pattern established in step two, inhale and exhale while blowing gas into the elastic air chamber resistance device at a constant speed until the device is fully filled or the single exhalation limit is reached.
2. The breathing training method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The diaphragmatic tactile stimulation in step one is as follows: the operator applies slight pressure inward and upward along the lower edge of the ribs with their fingers, feels the resistance of the diaphragm descending when the trainee inhales, and relaxes the pressure when exhaling.
3. The breathing training method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The breathing-assisted muscle stretching in step one includes static stretching of the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles. Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.
4. The breathing training method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method for establishing the thoracoabdominal breathing exercise pattern in step two is as follows: The trainee lies supine with knees bent and feet flat on the support surface; one hand is placed on the upper abdomen and the other hand is placed on the chest; when inhaling slowly through the nose, the hand on the abdomen should rise first, followed by the hand on the chest slightly rising; when exhaling, the hand on the abdomen should naturally fall, and the trainee should actively feel the contraction of the deep abdominal muscles.
5. The breathing training method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The elastic air chamber resistance device is a balloon specifically designed for breathing training. Its resistance grading is achieved through differences in balloon size, wall thickness, or material, including at least three resistance levels.
6. The breathing training method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step three, the exhalation phase should be controlled within 3-8 seconds, and the airflow should be kept constant.
7. The breathing training method according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step three, when the preset advancement conditions are met, the device is replaced with the elastic air cavity resistance device with a higher resistance level; if the advancement conditions are not met, the current resistance training is repeated.
8. The breathing training method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The advanced condition is: maintaining a standard breathing pattern for 3 consecutive sets of 5 complete breaths each.
9. A breathing training system, characterized in that, include: A set of the elastic air cavity type resistance device with the preset graded resistance; And a training guide instructing users to perform the breathing training method as described in any one of claims 1-8, the guide being a printed material, an electronic document, or an application.