The normal breathing pattern
From WikiEducator
A normal breathing pattern involves both diaphragmatic breathing and upper chest breathing. The diapragm should expand first, followed by the ribcage.
Read this page to find out about the muscles which are involved in breathing.
The normal rate of breathing for an individual varies depending on their recent activity and their age. The following table shows the normal rate of breathing for an individual who has not recently undergone any strenuous exercise (Moses, 2008).
| Age | Normal respiratory rate |
| Newborn | Approximately 44 breaths per minute |
| Infants | 20 – 40 breaths per minute |
| Pre-school children | 20 – 30 breaths per minute |
| Older children | 16 – 25 breaths per minute |
| Adults | 14 – 18 breaths per minute |
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