✨ Breathing as a Measure of Health: I’m a Published Co-Author
I’m incredibly honored and excited to share some big news: I’m now a published co-author in the Frontiers in Physiology journal!
Our paper, “The Breathing IQ: An Anthropometric Index of Diaphragmatic Breathing Efficiency,” is the result of over seven years of research, development, and testing. It introduces a measurable and standardized tool—the Breathing IQ (BIQ)—designed to assess how efficiently someone is using their diaphragm to breathe.
📖 You can read the full article here:
👉 Read the Study
Why This Matters
Most of us breathe more than 20,000 times a day, but how often do we stop to consider how we breathe?
This study shines a light on something often overlooked: our breathing mechanics—how our ribs, spine, and core move with each breath—directly influence our nervous system, posture, emotional regulation, and even pain patterns.
Unfortunately, due to stress, poor posture, and modern lifestyles, many people have unconsciously shifted into inefficient breathing habits. The most common? Shallow, upper-chest (apical) breathing that limits oxygen flow, fatigues accessory muscles, and can create a cascade of imbalances in the body.
A Note of Gratitude
This research would not have come to life without the brilliant leadership and vision of Dr. Belisa Vranich. I am beyond grateful to her for including me in this study and for her unwavering commitment to reshaping how the world understands breath. Thank you, Dr. B, for your mentorship, clarity, and passion.
What We Found
We assessed 384 participants and guided them through a single 90-minute session with 5 simple corrective breathing exercises.
🌬️ Before the session:
64.8% of people received an “F” grade for their breathing mechanics.
Only 3.7% were breathing efficiently enough to earn an “A”.
💫 After the session:
Only 5.2% were still at an “F”.
26.6% had upgraded to an “A” grade.
And 89.5% showed measurable improvement in their breath!
Breath-hold time (a marker of respiratory efficiency and nervous system health) nearly doubled, going from ~37 to ~66 seconds on average.
What Is the Breathing IQ?
The Breathing IQ is a non-invasive, affordable assessment that:
Measures your range of motion (how much your ribs and abdomen expand/contract),
Identifies your breathing pattern (apical vs. diaphragmatic), and
Provides a grade (A–F) based on efficiency and coordination.
Think of it like a report card for your breath—one that can help pinpoint mechanical dysfunctions before they lead to bigger issues like back pain, fatigue, or emotional imbalance.
And best of all? It comes with simple, actionable corrections you can apply immediately.
What This Means for My Clients
This research directly informs how I work with clients—whether through Pilates, breathwork, or healing sessions. I believe deeply that the breath is not only a vital sign of life—but also a bridge to self-awareness, resilience, and well-being.
In my sessions, I incorporate this understanding to help you:
Retrain dysfunctional breathing patterns,
Increase core stability and movement freedom,
Improve nervous system regulation and emotional balance,
Reconnect with your body as a source of wisdom and healing.
Whether you're managing stress, navigating pain, or simply wanting to feel more at home in your body—your breath is one of the most powerful tools you have.
Let’s Explore Your Breath Together
If this sparks your curiosity and you’re interested in exploring your own breathing mechanics or working together to restore your body’s natural rhythm, I’d love to support you.
✨ You can book a session or reach out here to learn more.
From my heart to yours—thank you for being part of this journey.
This is just the beginning.
With love,
Michaela Goorahoo
Founder of EXPAND + BREATHE
www.expandbreathe.com
