Online Course
The Effect of Posture on the Diaphragm
Learn how positioning in ICU and poor posture can negatively impact breathing mechanics

1-1.5 hours

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Rina Pandya
Course instructor

Dr. Rina is an excellent course presenter and has experience with a range of conditions in various physiotherapy settings

Course image - The Effect of Posture on the Diaphragm
Summarising
Summarising the latest research & evidence
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Introduction

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Introduction

Posture has a significant impact on the function of the diaphragm. In order to optimise diaphragmatic function, vertical length is required. This means that the thoracic and abdominal cavities need to be long enough for the diaphragm to create negative and positive pressure during inspiration and expiration. Full excursion of the diaphragm is imperative for optimal lung capacity and inspiratory flow. However, common postural dysfunctions such as forward head and kyphotic postures are known to reduce the strength and mobility of the diaphragm, thus impeding breathing. These patterns are not only commonly observed in everyday life, but also in patients in intensive care units (ICU). Therefore, an awareness of the impact of posture and positioning is essential to support the optimal diaphragmatic function of patients in an ICU.

Aims

This course aims to explain how poor posture, particularly in intensive care units, can negatively influence diaphragmatic breathing.

Outline

This course is made up of videos, reading, discussions and a final quiz. The course content is split into the following sections:

  1. Video
  2. Reading activity
  3. Quiz

Target audience

This course is aimed at Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy clinicians, students and assistants. Other interested professionals such as athletic trainers, occupational therapists, nurses or medical doctors interested in this subject are also invited to participate.

Practicalities

Availability - this course is online and can be completed on your own schedule.

Hours of Learning - No deadlines are applied to this course and it can be started and completed in your own time according to your personal schedule. We expect the required elements to take around 1-1.5 hours depending on your schedule and learning style. Additionally there are many optional resources provided and if you choose to review these the course could take longer to complete.

Types of Activities - Watching videos, reading, a final quiz and participating in an international discussion forum.

Certificates - At the end of the course, when you have completed all of the required elements, you will be able to download a certificate of completion and 1.0 Plus points will be added to your personalised learning dashboard.

Requirements to complete this course

In order to complete this course and receive a course completion certificate plus CEUs/CCUs/CPD points you will need to:

  1. Respect the Plus Community Culture.
  2. Log all the required learning activities as complete (represented by the orange icons!).
  3. Actively and appropriately participate in the course discussions.
  4. Pass a final quiz with a score of 80% or more.
  5. Complete a course evaluation form.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

  • explain the influence of a forward head posture on breathing
  • explain the impact of a kyphotic posture on breathing
  • identify how an intensive care patient's posture can impede their diaphragmatic function

Instructor financial and non-financial disclosures

No relevant relationships disclosed by instructor.

Accessibility

For special needs or accommodations please contact us with details of how we can meet your needs.

Featured reviews
It is an excellent course. It made me more aware of other structures involved in breathing mechanics, and now I can be more specific in devising treatment options.
Madeline Joseph
Physiotherapist
Trinidad And Tobago
This course is a clear review of the challenges of poor positioning or posture on the return of diaphragmatic breathing function.
Julie Joblon
Physiotherapist
France