Immediate effect of breathing retraining on weight distribution and postural stability in collegiates with altered breathing pattern

Breathing patterns influence postural control through biomechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms involving trunk stabilization and autonomic regulation. Altered thoracoabdominal breathing may contribute to asymmetrical plantar loading and impaired postural alignment in young adults. To evaluate the immediate effect of diaphragmatic breathing retraining on plantar weight distribution in collegiate students with altered breathing patterns. This exploratory single-group pre–post study recruited 100 collegiate students aged 18–28 years using convenient sampling. Participants with altered thoracoabdominal breathing, identified using the Hi-Lo test, underwent a standardized 15-min diaphragmatic breathing retraining protocol. Plantar pressure variables, including maximum pressure and regional pressure distribution across the hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot, and toes, were assessed during static bipedal stance using the Ezra OHM 3000 plantar pressure system before and after the intervention. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Pre–post comparisons were performed using paired t -tests, with effect sizes (Cohen’s d ), 95% confidence intervals, and Bonferroni correction applied for multiple comparisons. Post-intervention analysis demonstrated a redistribution of plantar pressure characterized by increased maximum and hindfoot pressure and reduced midfoot, forefoot, and toe pressures. Although several variables reached statistical significance at p < 0.05, only left maximum plantar pressure remained significant after Bonferroni correction. Effect sizes were small to moderate. Diaphragmatic breathing retraining produces immediate, measurable changes in plantar weight distribution in collegiate students with altered breathing patterns. These findings suggest a potential role for breathing-based interventions in optimizing postural alignment, warranting further controlled studies.