A study published in Diabetes Care in April 2008 found that people with “adult onset” diabetes (type 2 diabetes) experience reduced lung capacity. All adults experience a natural decline in lung capacity (and lung function in general) after it peaks in a person’s early 20′s. However, this study, along with a growing body of medical [...]

Johns Hopkins now has a free online pulmonary function calculator that computes predicted values for some of the most common breathing measurements. Predicted values are simply the amounts that medical professionals would expect, based on basic individual data–in this case, a person’s age, height, and gender. They are extrapolated from broad demographic studies; you will notice [...]

Here’s an update at the end of the second phase of my little study: •After 3 weeks of measuring 30 vital capacity breaths a day, peak measurements improved from 6.6 liters to 7.3 liters. •After 3 weeks of measuring 30 peak expiratory flow/forced expiratory volume maneuvers per day, peak measurements improved from 720/4.75 to 735/5.00. [...]

Scientific studies have shown that certain aspects of breathing can be improved through respiratory training. This is the basis of one of the articles I’ve posted on breathing on this site. The underlying physiological concept is that the respiratory system contains skeletal muscles that can be strengthened just like any other skeletal muscles in the body; [...]

My article on improving breathing is quoted extensively, by permission, on John Tarr’s blog, The Dynamic Musician (here). The blog deals with the Feldenkrais Method, a method that appears to be somewhat akin to the Alexander Method (although I should stipulate that I know little about either method). At any rate, I appreciate the link [...]