Tim Altman - Primal HealthNewsAsthma
By Tim Altman 15/02/2017 Breathing Dynamics, Naturopathy, Performance, Sleep Enhancement , , , , , , , , , ,

Let Your Body Teach You How to Breathe Optimally Using Biofeedback

CapnoTrainer® Biofeedback Technology

Capnometry is the science of measuring partial pressure of carbon dioxide, CO2 (PCO2), during respiration. This is not new technology. It has been used extensively in hospital operating theatres and ICU’s. Because of the vital role of CO2 in respiration (see The Bohr Effect) and in blood chemistry (especially maintenance of correct blood pH), it is a medical necessity to monitor CO2 to ensure that they remain are in the correct ranges for maintenance of  ideal functioning of the body. The CapnoTrainer® is a small and highly portable capnometer that, via software provides real time information on breathing efficiency.

The CapnoTrainer® provides for a continuous measurement of PCO2 while breathing. As there is only 0.03% CO2 in atmospheric air we breathe it reads effectively “zero” on inhalation. During the exhalation it rises sharply to the average level of PCO2 in the alveoli of the lungs, rising very slowly during the transition from exhale to inhale (alveolar plateau), and eventually reaching a peak immediately prior to the next inhale. This peak is known as the End Tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2). The waveform is represented via a live graph on a computer screen is known as a Capnogram. See below.

Better_breathing_applications_chart

ETCO2 in people with healthy lungs and a healthy cardiovascular system is highly correlated with the arterial partial pressure CO2 (PaCO2).

As previously mentioned The Bohr Effect states: “the lower the partial pressure of CO in arterial blood, the tighter the bond (or the greater the affinity) between haemoglobin and oxygen”.  So PaCO2 is the limiting factor in breathing efficiency. It will determine how efficiently the oxygen we breathe is released from our blood to our cells for energy production. The minimal PaCO2 required for optimal respiration and release of O2 into cellular tissue for energy production is 40mmHg.

ETCO2 measurements on the CapnoTrainer will give an immediate look at the efficiency of an individual’s breathing based on the principles of The Bohr Effect. Less than optimal efficiency of breathing can lead to a multitude of symptoms as a result of the body’s need to compensate for this reduced functioning. These compensations include hypoxia (reduced oxygen supply) in cellular tissue, constriction or spasm in smooth muscle and excessive mucous production. And apnoea.

Respiratory rate is also obtained through measurement of the time between the end tidal peaks (diagnostic norms for breathing rate at rest are 8-10 breaths per minute). The averages of both respiratory rate and ETCO2 are plotted on a history graph for real time review.

The CapnoTrainer® provides immediate and first hand biofeedback information to the observer about air flow and breathing efficiency. Gasping and other breathing irregularities can immediately be seen.

Not only does the CapnoTrainer® measure breathing efficiency potentially in a variety of situations or circumstances (due to its great portability), it is also a fantastic tool to train an individual to improve their breathing efficiency. The CapnoTrainer® software offers a number of training tools to improve breathing efficiency. It can also be used as a measurement to verify the effectiveness of training interventions being performed by an experienced breathing practitioner or trainer.

CapnoTraining® can be used to improve breathing efficiency to treat a number of ailments, as a preventative measure to prevent anxiety, asthma, snoring etc. or as a means of enhancing performance with athletes, artists and business professionals.

I have used Capnometry to assess and retrain breathing for many years and find it an essential and fantastic means of retraining client’s breathing to alleviate symptoms and ailments, and to perform at greater levels.

It simple, quick and mobile. Contact me if you like to investigate further.

By Tim Altman 11/02/2017 Breathing Dynamics, Performance, Testimonials , , , ,

Breathing Away to a Dream Career.

Testimonial: A Fantastic Breathing Dynamics Success Story.

A great success story for a client who came to me after having been accepted into the RAAF, but failed a peak flow test, so he couldn’t be admitted. He had an opportunity again a few weeks later, so he came to me for breathing training.

The peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is a test that measures how fast a person can exhale (breathe out). This test checks lung functioning, and is often used by patients who have asthma.

Measurement of peak expiratory flow gives an idea of how narrow or obstructed a person’s airways are by measuring the maximum (or peak) rate at which they can blow air into a peak flow meter after a deep breath.

Peak flow monitoring helps measure how much, and when, the airways are changing. Due to the wide range of ‘normal’ values and high degree of variability, peak flow is not the recommended test to identify asthma. However, it can be useful in some circumstances.

“Breathing training went great. I managed to pass the test earlier today. Can’t thank you enough for your help. I’m certainly going to continue the techniques taught by you”.   Josh, Torquay

Similar to the BMI test for obesity, the peak flow test is a very crude measurement for breathing performance in that the test itself forces the recipient to over breathe, and therefore making them susceptible to symptoms of over breathing. Including constriction and spasm in the airways, as displayed in asthma.

Nevertheless, within a 2 week period, we retrain Josh’s breathing so that his body would accept a lower breathing rate and volume, and he was able to extend both the duration and volume of hos exhalation. The result being that he aced the test on the second occasion.

As such, Josh was able to be admitted to the RAAF and begin training for a career that had been a dream of his.

A great outcome, and a pleasure to assist a person chasing their dreams.

Not only can breathing retraining assist with many aspects of health or illness, it can also be fantasting in enhancing many aspects of performance.

Feel free to contact me via email or phone if you’d like to explore how improving your breathing can help your life.