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This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) All Versions of this Article: ptj.20070316v1 88/7/832    most recent Submit a response Read responses to this article Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when Rapid Responses are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Ekerholt, K. Articles by Bergland, A. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Ekerholt, K. Articles by Bergland, A. Related Collections Cardiovascular/Pulmonary System: Other Psychosocial: Other Social Bookmarking                      What's this?

Breathing: A Sign of Life and a Unique Area for Reflection and Action

K Ekerholt, PT, is Leader of the Advanced Course in Norwegian Psychomotor Physiotherapy and is Associate Professor, Division of Physiotherapy, Oslo University College, Faculty of Health Sciences, Box 4, St Olavs Plass, 0130, Oslo, Norway.
A Bergland, PT, PhD, is Leader of Research and Development and Professor, Division of Physiotherapy, Oslo University College, Faculty of Health Sciences.

Address all correspondence to Dr Ekerholt at: kirsten.ekerholt{at}hf.hio.no

Background and Purpose: The aim of this study was to clarify patients’ experiences of breathing during therapeutic processes in Norwegian psychomotor physical therapy (NPMP).

Subjects and Methods: A qualitative approach was used based on interviews with 9 women and 1 man aged between 41 and 65 years. The data were analyzed with the aid of grounded theory.

Results: Three categories were identified from the participants’ experiences: (1) "Breathing: An Incomprehensible and Disparate Phenomenon," (2) "Breathing: Access to Meaning and Understanding," and (3) "Breathing: Enhancing Feelings of Mastery." Initially, breathing difficulties and bodily pains were described as physical reactions that seemed utterly incomprehensible to the participants. Communication, both verbal and nonverbal, between the patient and the physical therapist was described as vitally important, as was conscious attention to occurrences during the treatment sessions. The participants learned to recognize changes in their breathing patterns, and they became familiar with new bodily sensations. Consequently, they acquired new understanding of these sensations. The feeling and understanding of being an entity (ie, "body and soul") emerged during therapy. The participants increased their understanding of the interaction between breathing and internal and external influences on their well-being. Their feelings of mastery over their daily lives were enhanced. The therapeutic dialogues gave them the chance to explore, reflect, and become empowered.

Discussion and Conclusion: In experiencing their own breathing, the participants were able to access and identify the muscular and emotional patterns that, linked to particular thoughts and beliefs, had become their characteristic styles of relating to themselves and the world.

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This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. J Taylor On "Breathing: a sign of life..." Ekerholt and Bergland. Phys Ther. 2008;88:832-840. Physical Therapy, August 1, 2008; 88(8): 972 - 972. [Full Text] [PDF]