After you have mastered a zone of apposition (ZOA) during exhalation, you must be able to maintain it. Dr. Sarah Petrich reviews the ZOA and the diaphragm biomechanics during the breathing cycle. She then demonstrates three exercises that train the ZOA and strengthen one’s ability to acquire and maintain the ZOA with the coordination of the abdominal muscles.

The adduction drop test and apical expansion tests were used with permission from the Postural Restoration Institute®.

About Sarah Petrich, PT, DPT, PRC, NCPT:

As a specialist in Postural Restoration, Pilates, & Dance Medicine, Dr. Sarah Petrich provides physical therapy and Pilates training focusing on re-balancing posture, alignment and breathing for patients and wellness clients. When not in the clinic or on zoom, she's often traveling around the nation teaching educational courses to healthcare professionals, Pilates instructors and other movement specialists. You can find her and her courses on her website www.sarahpetrich.com or on Instagram at @drsarahpetrich.

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