20 Competitive Athletes of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Where Randomly Assigned in a Myofascial Diaphragm Release Technique or a Sham Technique in Order to Investigate the Immediate Effects of Thoracic Mobility and Chest Expansion

Participants were given a myofascial release technique from a seated position, as described by Chaitow. With this technique, the athlete slightly bends his/her torso in order to relax the abdominal wall and breathes calmly and deeply (Figure 2). The therapist is behind the athlete holding his/her lower ribs, and during exhalation the therapist directs his hands caudally. This steady but gentle 'traction' is maintained throughout the breathing cycles for 4-5 minutes.

With this sham comparator technique, the therapist stood behind the athlete (who was sitting) touching the outside of the person's lower ribs without folding his or her fingers or applying any pressure. The athlete is verbally instructed, after fully exhaling the air in their lungs to take deep breaths opening his/her ribs as much as he/she can whistle the therapist's hands follow the movement (without applying any manual pressure or traction). The procedure here also lasted for 4-5 minutes