The effect of diaphragmatic breathing exercises applied in addition to conventional treatment on pain, upper extremity stability and anxiety in individuals with rotator cuff lesions

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of diaphragmatic breathing exercises in addition to conventional treatment and post isometric relaxation technique on pain, range of motion, functionality, upper extremity stability and anxiety in individuals with rotator cuff lesions. 32 volunteers aged between 18 and 65 years, diagnosed with rotator cuff lesions, were included in the study. Conventional treatment and post-isometric relaxation technique were performed to the control group (n=16) and diaphragmatic breathing exercises in addition to these treatments to the respiratory group (n=16). Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain intensity, universal goniometer for range of motion, Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADİ) for functional status, Upper Extremity Y-Balance Test for upper extremity stability, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for anxiety level, and finger-type pulse oximeter was used to measure pulse and oxygen saturation values. SPSS V.27 program was used for statistical analysis of the data. As a result of our study, statistically significant improvement was found in all parameters except pulse in the intragroup evaluation in both groups (p<0.05). In the intergroup evaluations, it was seen that the improvement in the values of pain felt at rest, range of motion, pulse and oxygen saturation were similar in both groups (p>0.05). Diaphragmatic breathing exercises combined with conventional treatment and post-isometric relaxation technique were found to be more effective in improving activity-related and nocturnal pain, functionality, upper extremity stability and anxiety parameters compared to conventional treatment and post-isometric relaxation technique alone (p<0.05).