PAS PAS Breathing Patterns & Postural Control

Question 1

Which breathing pattern is most commonly associated with upper crossed syndrome and forward head posture?

Accepted Answer

Apical / accessory muscle breathing

Answer

Diaphragmatic / abdominal breathing

Answer

Lateral costal breathing

Answer

Nasal breathing with full excursion

Question 2

The diaphragm contributes to lumbar spinal stability primarily through its role in:

Accepted Answer

Increasing intra-abdominal pressure during contraction

Answer

Directly attaching to the lumbar vertebrae as a spine extensor

Answer

Compressing the thoracic spine

Answer

Elevating the ribcage

Question 3

A PAS client who chronically over-breathes (hyperventilates) is MOST likely to exhibit which postural finding?

Accepted Answer

Elevated and flared lower ribcage with reduced thoracic mobility

Answer

Posterior pelvic tilt

Answer

Excessive lumbar flexion

Answer

Collapsed medial arches

Question 4

Which nerve innervates the diaphragm and, when compressed by poor cervical posture, can impair respiratory function?

Accepted Answer

Phrenic nerve (C3–C5)

Answer

Vagus nerve (CN X)

Answer

Intercostal nerve (T1–T12)

Answer

Long thoracic nerve (C5–C7)

Question 5

Lateral costal breathing is taught in PAS corrective programs primarily to:

Accepted Answer

Improve thoracic cage mobility and reduce compensatory accessory muscle use

Answer

Increase tidal volume by engaging the scalenes

Answer

Stabilize the lumbar spine during heavy lifting

Answer

Stretch the lumbar multifidus

Question 6

During a 360-degree breathing assessment, a PAS specialist looks for equal expansion in which three planes?

Accepted Answer

Anterior, lateral, and posterior ribcage expansion

Answer

Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar movement

Answer

Sagittal, frontal, and transverse pelvic tilt

Answer

Scapular retraction, elevation, and depression