Breathing Patterns in Patients in Chronic Low Back Pain can be Objectively Evaluated Using an iPad Pro

Approximately 40% of individuals experience low back pain (LBP) during their lifetime. Trunk stabilization exercises, including diaphragm training, are considered effective interventions. Given the anatomical positioning of the trunk muscles, their influence on breathing patterns has attracted attention, particularly regarding sex-related differences.Traditional breathing pattern assessments rely on subjective observations, limiting accuracy. While motion capture systems offer precise analysis, they are costly and impractical for clinical use. In this study, we utilized an iPad equipped with a depth camera to objectively measure thoracic and abdominal movements during respiration. This study aimed to investigate differences in breathing patterns between individuals with and without LBP.Although no significant differences were observed in respiratory frequency, sternal tilt, and timing deviation, women with LBP exhibited significantly larger thoracic and abdominal excursions than the non-LBP group, suggesting impaired trunk stability and motor control influence the breathing patterns in patients with LBP, particularly women. The iPad-based approach demonstrated superior capability in detecting breathing movement differences compared with that of the Hi–Lo test, highlighting its potential as an accessible and objective clinical tool.This study establishes the feasibility of depth-camera measurements for evaluating breathing patterns in individuals with LBP and underscores sex-specific differences in respiratory mechanics.