Prone diaphragmatic breathing initiating active trunk extension and rotation

Purpose: 
To express thoracic extension and rotation with diaphragmatic breathing. 
Best suited after mobility reset of the thorax.

Description:
Start in prone. Assuming the thorax has been mobilised and diaphragmatic breathing is competent, on an inhale, actively extend and rotate the head, neck and thorax, lowering on exhalation.

Implications:
Holding your breath during movement may be a sign of motor control dysfunction.
Even after pain is gone, or mobility limitations are removed, an individual may hold their breath in anticipation of pain or movement. This is a conditioned response that is best overridden in a safe position such as prone. 

Someone with a neck, thorax, lumbar or hip extension mobility limitation may also have an inhalation restriction. Someone with a flexion restriction may also have an exhalation restriction

Breathing restrictions/dysfunctions may also cause restrictions in shoulder mobility, dysfunctional rolling patterns, and balance impairments.